Nairobi has been ranked among the world’s 10 most climate-resilient large cities, placing 10th globally as the capital steps up preparations for an expected wetter-than-normal October-December rainfall season.
The ranking places Nairobi second among African cities after Addis Ababa, which emerged second globally, in an assessment examining the ability of major urban centres to withstand, adapt to and manage climate-related risks.
Geospatial artificial intelligence firm AlphaGeo assessed 72 of the world’s largest cities through its Climate Risk and Resilience Index, measuring both exposure to climate hazards and the capacity of cities to mitigate their effects.
The assessment examined six major climate threats, including inland and coastal flooding, extreme heat, drought, wildfires and strong winds.
Unlike rankings that focus solely on exposure to extreme weather, AlphaGeo also evaluated measures put in place by cities to reduce climate risks. These included infrastructure, governance, early-warning systems, flood-control measures, drainage capacity and emergency-response systems.
Nairobi recorded a resilience-adjusted risk score of 13, placing it in AlphaGeo’s low residual-risk category, where a lower score represents greater resilience.
Chicago topped the global ranking, followed by Addis Ababa, Melbourne, Barcelona, Ankara, Buenos Aires, Paris, Istanbul and Bogotá, with Nairobi completing the top 10.
The ranking comes as Nairobi intensifies preparations for anticipated heavy rains, with Governor Johnson Sakaja putting multi-agency coordination at the centre of the county’s disaster-preparedness strategy. Weekly meetings chaired by Sakaja bring together the Nairobi County Government, Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and disaster-management teams to assess the city’s readiness.
The agencies are identifying flood-prone locations, coordinating interventions and implementing measures designed to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall on residents, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“Our priority is to ensure Nairobi is fully prepared before the rains intensify. Through the multi-agency approach, we are identifying flood hotspots, improving drainage and strengthening our emergency response so that we can protect lives, businesses and infrastructure,” Sakaja said.
The county has identified 16 flood hotspots requiring urgent intervention, with works underway to clear and deepen drainage systems. Areas along Mombasa Road, Chiromo, Kangundo Road and Thika Road are among locations receiving attention as Nairobi seeks to improve stormwater drainage and reduce the likelihood of flooding.
The county is also constructing new drainage infrastructure and repairing roads and pathways affected by heavy rains.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Nairobi is strengthening its emergency-response capacity through joint training for disaster-management and emergency teams.
“Climate resilience is not just about responding when disaster strikes; it is about preparing in advance. We are working with all relevant agencies to deepen and construct drainage systems, train response teams and ensure that Nairobi is ready to manage heavy rains,” Sakaja said.
The preparations come against the backdrop of forecasts pointing to above-average rainfall across much of Kenya during the October-December season. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has forecast above-average rainfall over about 80 per cent of the country, accompanied by prolonged wet spells and occasional isolated storms.
Nairobi is among the counties expected to receive above-average rainfall, with the onset of the rains forecast between the second and third weeks of October.
The strengthening El Niño phenomenon, together with an emerging positive Indian Ocean Dipole, is expected to contribute to wetter-than-normal conditions during the season. The combination could increase the risk of intense rainfall, flooding and damage to infrastructure, particularly in urban areas facing drainage and development pressures.
Nairobi has established emergency hotlines 1199 and 1508, while an emergency response centre is being set up to coordinate distress calls and facilitate faster responses.
The AlphaGeo ranking therefore provides a timely assessment of Nairobi’s relative resilience while the city prepares for another potentially challenging rainy season. However, the 10th-place ranking does not mean Nairobi is immune to climate risks. Instead, it highlights the importance of preparedness, infrastructure, and coordinated emergency responses in reducing the impact of extreme weather on a rapidly growing city.
