Fostering Nature-Aligned Engineering in Kenya’s Coastal Infrastructure

The Kenya-Tanzania coastal region, which is characterised by high climate vulnerability and limited, overexploited resources, presents unique challenges for infrastructure development. In Kenya, coastal cities like Mombasa and Lamu are experiencing heightened impacts of climate change as a result of rapid urbanisation. This raises a question; how can coastal infrastructure be developed in a way that enhances safety and sustainability while also safeguarding the natural ecosystems that communities in these regions depend upon. 

To begin to solve this question, engineers must reimagine how we design and deliver infrastructure, by aligning engineering design, planning and implementation with sustainable processes to achieve adaptability and ecological compatibility.

With funding from Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s small grants programme, Moi University in partnership with Kenya Ports Authority and the Institution of Engineers of Kenya has taken a step towards addressing this challenge. The project, ‘Fostering Nature-Aligned Engineering (NAE) in Coastal Infrastructure Developments’ was designed with two primary objectives. It sought to enhance understanding of the NAE concept among engineers, policy makers, regulators and community stakeholders, and build a shared understanding of its importance to accelerate united adoption. 

Secondly, the project focused on identifying the specific skills and data required to fully support the integration of NAE methods into Kenya’s coastal infrastructure developments. This included assessing capacity gaps and determining the research priorities necessary to demonstrate performance and build confidence in NAE approaches. 

Reliance on traditional grey (hard) engineering approaches in infrastructure development, characterised by the use of rigid artificial structures made from materials such as concrete and steel, has contributed to biodiversity loss, climate vulnerability, and reduced resilience of coastal ecosystems. These impacts not only pose environmental concerns but also present safety risks for coastal populations whose livelihoods are dependent on healthy marine and coastal systems. 

For example, vertical sea walls along the Kenya’s coastal line of Bamburi and Diani have been developed to curb erosion. While intended as protective measures, these structures could disrupt the natural sand movement thereby increasing vulnerability to downdrift erosion and negatively affecting marine life. 

In this context, engineers need to adopt nature-aligned engineering (NAE) approaches when developing coastal infrastructure. For instance, non-woven geotextiles can be used to control erosion at port quaysides caused by hydrodynamic forces of the sea, instead of relying on mass concrete walls, which have a higher carbon (CO2) footprint. NAE would offer a pathway to foster resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally regenerative infrastructure in Kenya’s coastal regions. 

However, to achieve the implementation of NAE methods, engineers must be equipped with the necessary skills.  

Foundation funding enabled us to undertake a comprehensive study using a triangulated approach, which combined a systematic desk review, a national questionnaire survey, and a multi-stakeholder workshop. The study provided insights into current engineering practices, existing capacities, and the necessary skills for effective integration of NAE methods into coastal infrastructure projects in Kenya.  

This project has provided a comprehensive assessment of how to support the effective implementation of NAE in coastal infrastructure projects in Kenya and across East Africa. Our studies showed that while skills in environmental monitoring are relatively strong in the region, driven by frameworks under the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), there is still a lack of universal understanding. Skills in hydrological and hydrodynamic modelling, ecological design, carbon and energy accounting, and adaptive management for example, are limited. 

These skills are essential for understanding how water flow, waves, tides and sediment transport interact with coastal infrastructure and natural systems. They are also necessary for evaluating the sustainability performance of the infrastructure, including long-term resilience.

Data availability is equally constrained. Our research revealed that essential ecological datasets such as habitat maps, site-specific ecological sensitivity maps as well as carbon accounting records are largely unaccounted for. Fragmented data systems and lack of interoperability between tools further restrict effective integration of NAE. Advanced hydrodynamic and ecological modelling tools are rarely used due to cost and limited technical expertise. 

We know there are strong opportunities for integrating NAE within coastal infrastructure development in Kenya. But to achieve this potential, we must further identify and implement life cycle and cost-benefit analysis of NAE solutions, long-term ecosystem monitoring frameworks, and development of locally calibrated modelling tools. 

This project has provided a strong evidence-based roadmap for transitioning Kenya’s coastal infrastructure from predominantly hard engineered toward a more adaptive, regenerative model. The project has filled a critical knowledge gap by identifying priority skills needs, mapping existing and missing data and outlining research areas essential for evidence-based decision making. 

'Data and Skills Needs Assessment Report’ has catalysed dialogue among engineers in the country, sharing insights within their networks, effectively multiplying the grant’s impact,” explained Prof. Makokha, the project lead. The report will serve as a blueprint print for action by policymakers, professional bodies and training institutions. 

Our research points to several strategic priorities that will accelerate the integration of NAE approaches in Kenya. This includes: 

• Capacity building for NAE-related skills can be achieved through long-term curriculum reforms in universities and colleges in Kenya and the addition of specialised training modules. 

• Building integrated and open coastal data systems, focusing on ecological, hydrological, socioeconomic, and carbon datasets that are standardised.

• Developing context-specific tools and models which are affordable, scalable and calibrated for Kenya’s coastline, such as MIKE21, which is used for modelling wave dynamics and coastal erosion.

• Advancing research and demonstration projects to generate local evidence, validate modelling assumptions, and improve confidence among engineers and policymakers. 

• Embedding community and indigenous knowledge in NAE design and monitoring, supported by co-design approaches. 

• Enhancing institutional coordination and policy support to standardise NAE practices within infrastructure planning and regulatory systems. 

To learn more about Nature-Aligned Engineering or explore collaboration opportunities, click here.