Geo Week 13: Coastal Erosion

 Coastal Erosion in Kenya

  Some natural processes contribute to coastal erosion in Kenya. Increased loading/deposition of sediment by the Tana and Sabaki rivers have contributed to recession of the Malindi shoreline; roughly five-hundred meters of the shoreline has been observed to have receded over twenty-seven years due to the formation of flood plains and dunes via sediment accretion. 

 Kenya faces an increased rate of coastal erosion due to human influence. Human settlement and development of infrastructure along the coast has caused the shoreline to recede by ten meters in the Diani-Bamburi area, this recession of the shoreline occurred over the span of ten years. A major contributor to the damage of the shore line has occurred due to current flows being modified by seawalls built for beachfront tourist resorts. The seawalls are causing other portions of the beach to erode more quickly than they would naturally. Shifting currents along with a receding shoreline have led to coral reefs being exposed to the elements. Coral are only able to survive in a very narrow temperature range, even a minor change in temperature is enough to fatally stress coral.

 

To combat coral bleaching, Kenya turns to reef nurseries | AP News 

    

Experts are working towards enhancing reef restoration efforts to preserve Kenya's coastline. Scientists are also pushing for tighter regulations on hotel/resort development on the shoreline, as well as bolstering the country's marine protected areas in an effort to improve recovery of biodiversity.

 

Sources:

Nyangorora, Moraa. “When the Ocean Pulls Away: What Kenya’s Receding Coastline Reveals about Climate Change.” Integrity Alliance Ke, Integrity Alliance Ke, 18 Dec. 2025, www.integrityallianceke.com/post/when-the-ocean-pulls-away-what-kenya-s-receding-coastline-reveals-about-climate-change.

Omuombo, Christine A., et al. “Chapter 22 - Coastal Erosion.” Developments in Earth Surface Processs, vol. 16, Elsevier, pp. 331–339.


  

  

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