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Assessment of flood risk using space technology in Matuga state, Kenya’s coastal area

Flooding poses significant environmental, social and economic challenges globally. With ever-increasing, weather extremes induced by climate change, flooding becomes frequent and severe, particularly in coastal regions like Matuga state in Kenya. Therefore, this study assesses flood risk and its spatial distribution focusing on the interplay between land use land cover, elevation, slope, soil type and rainfall. Using remote sensing data and GIS techniques, a flood risk map for Matuga was generated to identify vulnerable zones. The result signifies that poorly vegetated areas combined with steep topography and high rainfall intensity are key contributors to flooding. Conversely, areas dominated by Ferralic Arenosols and Dystric Arenosols coupled with low slope and extensive shrub cover exhibit lower flood risks. The findings of this study provide critical insights for policymakers, urban planners and environmental managers in designing sustainable flood mitigation strategies. This study underscores the importance of integrating sustainable land management and land use planning in flood risk management for climate-resilient development in Matuga, Kenya.

Interview with Lilian Nguracha Balanga, Founder of Women.conserve

Short description of the Samburu community

The Samburu community is the Nilotic ethnic community of North Central Kenya. They dress in red shukas and adorn themselves with necklaces, bracelets and anklets mostly from beads. They believe in God Nkai, living in the mountains. They are nomadic are pastoralists, meaning that they keep animals (e.g., cows, goats, sheep and camel) which is their main source of livelihood as they get milk, meat and blood for self consumption and/or to be sold. They move from place to place in search of pasture and water.

Interview with Harriette Okal, Associate Scientist, Stockholm Environment Institute

How do you professionally relate to water and/or space technologies?

As a hydrologist, I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of space technologies in transforming water resource management. My work integrates satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) data with hydrological modelling, particularly for drought and flood monitoring, and water availability assessments in regions with scarce ground data. EO technologies allow me to capture real-time, high-resolution data, critical for climate resilience, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Interview with Felix Kasiti, PhD Researcher, University of Stirling

I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Stirling in Scotland, funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council through the IAPETUS DTP. My research focuses on using SAR Polarimetry to map and monitor floods in Scotland and Guyana. Additionally, I use ground radar to understand signal interactions under simulated flooding conditions, aiming to improve flood detection. My goal is to enhance the management and protection of floodplains and wetlands through advanced radar satellite technology and field-tested methodologies. Before my PhD, I worked as an assistant hydrologist at the SERVIR Eastern and Southern Africa project at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2019 to 2022. In this position, I led the development of an operational hydrological model that improved access to hydrological data for ungauged rivers in East Africa. I was also the lead hydrologist in the implementation of a flood early warning system in Malawi, integrating ground measurements and satellite-derived water level data to issue flood forecasts.

Interview with Harriette Okal, Associate Scientist, Stockholm Environment Institute

How do you professionally relate to water and/or space technologies?

As a hydrologist, I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of space technologies in transforming water resource management. My work integrates satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) data with hydrological modelling, particularly for drought and flood monitoring, and water availability assessments in regions with scarce ground data. EO technologies allow me to capture real-time, high-resolution data, critical for climate resilience, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Interview with Felix Kasiti, PhD Researcher, University of Stirling

I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Stirling in Scotland, funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council through the IAPETUS DTP. My research focuses on using SAR Polarimetry to map and monitor floods in Scotland and Guyana. Additionally, I use ground radar to understand signal interactions under simulated flooding conditions, aiming to improve flood detection. My goal is to enhance the management and protection of floodplains and wetlands through advanced radar satellite technology and field-tested methodologies. Before my PhD, I worked as an assistant hydrologist at the SERVIR Eastern and Southern Africa project at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2019 to 2022. In this position, I led the development of an operational hydrological model that improved access to hydrological data for ungauged rivers in East Africa. I was also the lead hydrologist in the implementation of a flood early warning system in Malawi, integrating ground measurements and satellite-derived water level data to issue flood forecasts.

Interview with Lilian Nguracha Balanga, Founder of Women.conserve

Short description of the Samburu community

The Samburu community is the Nilotic ethnic community of North Central Kenya. They dress in red shukas and adorn themselves with necklaces, bracelets and anklets mostly from beads. They believe in God Nkai, living in the mountains. They are nomadic are pastoralists, meaning that they keep animals (e.g., cows, goats, sheep and camel) which is their main source of livelihood as they get milk, meat and blood for self consumption and/or to be sold. They move from place to place in search of pasture and water.

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Stakeholder

Kenya Space Agency

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) was established under the Ministry of Defence, as the successor to the National Space Secretariat (NSS), by Executive Order through Legal Notice No. 22 of 7th March 2017 with the mandate to promote, coordinate and regulate space related activities in the country.
Vision: The vision of the Agency is to be the premier Space Agency in promotion of access and effective utilization of Space Economy for national sustainable development.

Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing, Kenya

The Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) is a key government agency in Kenya, established in 1977 under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, but now under the Executive Office of the President. DRSRS is renowned for its work in mapping and monitoring natural resources and environmental changes through advanced remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technologies.

Omanos Analytics

We founded Omanos with the mission of using space data analysis to empower communities around the world, and to bring the benefits of satellite data insights to a wider audience. Much of our work has used satellite data analysis to reveal the social and environmental impacts of, e.g., mining, agriculture, and the hydrocarbon industry across four continents for range of clients – international NGOs, governments, supra-national bodies including the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency.

Geomatics Research Group at the Institute of Geography of the Ruhr-University Bochum

Located in the center of the dynamic Ruhr metropolitan region, the Ruhr University, with its 21 faculties, is home to 41,600 students from over 130 countries studying one of the 61 Bachelor and 128 Master programs. "Built to Change" is the guiding principle of the Ruhr University. Since 1965, it has been the driving force behind the transformation from a mining district to a knowledge region.

Global Water Partnership

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) is a global action network with over 3,000 Partner organisations in 179 countries. The network has 69 accredited Country Water Partnerships and 13 Regional Water Partnerships.

The network is open to all organisations involved in water resources management: developed and developing country government institutions, agencies of the United Nations, bi- and multi-lateral development banks, professional associations, research institutions, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector.

University of Zimbabwe: Department of Construction and Civil Engineering

The Department of Construction and Civil Engineering at the University of Zimbabwe is one of the 8 departments in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.The department is already a major center for water and sanitation engineering through its MSc programmes which have produced graduates from eastern and southern Africa. The department also boasts of soil and material and timber research facilities which can be used to benefit the country at large.

Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency

The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) is a wholly owned Government of Zimbabwe entity, established under the Research act [Chapter 10:20]. It is responsible for designing, promoting, coordinating and conducting research and development initiatives that promote advances in Geospatial Sciences and Earth Observations, Space Engineering, Space Science, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechatronics, Satellite Communication Systems, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Land Positioning Systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Launch of Satellites.

Groundwater Relief

Groundwater Relief is a charity that provides specialist groundwater support to the humanitarian and development sectors. The support is delivered through staff and a global membership of groundwater experts.

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Erick Villah Okeyo

Space Communicator Kenya Space Agency

Erick Okeyo is a seasoned Space communications specialist, with over a decade of experience within the space industry. In his capacity at the Kenya Space Agency, Erick's primary responsibility involves distilling complex scientific and IT concepts from his organization and devising strategic methods to effectively communicate this information to diverse audiences, both domestically and internationally.

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Viola Kemunto Orina

Geo-information and Data Engineer Kenya Space Agency

Viola Orina's experience at the Kenya Space Agency directly aligns with the thematic focus of the upcoming conference on "Space Technology for Water Management." Having been involved in projects centered around the practical application of space technology, particularly in monitoring water extents using satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques, Viola brings an understanding of the regional dynamics, challenges, and opportunities pertaining to water resources.

Photo of Felix Isundwa Kasiti

Felix Kasiti

PhD Researcher University of Stirling

Felix is a PhD researcher at the University of Stirling, Stirling, UK, researching on the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in mapping floods. He recently worked as a hydrologist with SERVIR Eastern and Southern Africa project at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development, Nairobi, Kenya from 2019 to 2022. 
 
In 2018, he obtained his M.Sc. degree on Water Science (Policy) from the Pan African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES). Attained his B.Sc.

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