The Risk of Flooding to Architecture and Infrastructure amidst a Changing Climate in Lake Baringo, Kenya

Flooding in Lake Baringo, Kenya, has intensified due to climate change, with lake coverage increasing by 18% and flood depths reaching up to 3.2 meters during extreme rainfall. This study reveals that nearly all structures (100%) lack resilience to flooding, predominantly featuring vulnerable materials like corrugated iron sheets (59%) or mud (22%). While temporary measures such as sandbags and flood walls proved ineffective, the research underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies, including early warning systems, land-use planning, and resilient architecture like stilted or floating houses. The findings highlight severe risks to communities, particularly those in low-lying areas, and call for reinforced infrastructure using materials such as concrete to mitigate future flood impacts.

Victor, N., Eric, P., & Kyeba, K. (2023). The Risk of Flooding to Architecture and Infrastructure amidst a Changing Climate in Lake Baringo, Kenya. American Journal of Climate Change, 12(01), 80–99. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajcc.2023.121005