Mathare River Corridor Spatial Proposals

Flood risk and river corridor resilience · Active

Mathare River Corridor Spatial Proposals

A URESA-LAB workstream based on the Kenya Mathare mission report, linking field data, territorial analysis and spatial design.

Project overview

Overview

The Mathare work documents flood risk as a systemic condition produced by spatial configurations, infrastructure failures, waste management practices and social inequalities. It uses direct observation, quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews and geospatial thinking to build a practical research foundation.

Objectives

  • Document spatial morphology, drainage conditions, waste accumulation and river corridor uses.
  • Connect field observations with geospatial analysis and contextual mapping.
  • Develop operational research outputs including morphography, physical models and spatial proposals.

Results

  • 883 respondents surveyed across Mathare villages.
  • Major flood drivers identified: waste accumulation, drainage obstruction, sanitation gaps and river overflows.
  • Roadmap defined for June 2026 to January 2027 research and public presentation.

Timeline

  • Kenya field mission and Mathare baseline
  • Territorial morphography and spatial diagnosis
  • Project presentation in Kenya and publication of results

Partners

  • Local Mathare leaders and youth organizations
  • University of Nairobi
  • Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning
  • National Youth Service
  • Civil society initiatives