Nairobi joins list of climate resistant cities at number 10
Nairobi’s ranking is credited to the city's original landscape which makes it a giant sponge; wetlands, soil, vegetation and river corridors are known to absorb and slow down rainwater. The post Nairobi joins list of climate resistant cities at number 10 appeared first on KBC Digital .
Nairobi has secured the 10th spot in a global list of cities recognised for their climate resilience, according to a report by AlphaGeo, a geospatial artificial intelligence company. The report, which analysed 72 cities worldwide, considered factors such as risks from flooding, extreme heat, drought, wildfire, coastal flooding, and hurricane winds, along with a city's capacity to adapt to these threats.
AlphaGeo highlights that African cities benefit from their elevation and climate geography, reducing exposure to major climate hazards. Addis Ababa took the top position, followed by Cairo (19th) and Johannesburg (20th). Nairobi's ranking is largely attributed to its natural advantages, such as wetlands, soil, vegetation, and river corridors, which help absorb and slow rainwater.
However, the report notes that over time, much of this natural system has been replaced by roads, buildings, and other hard surfaces, increasing rapid runoff during rainfall.
Despite its favourable natural position, as the city expanded, the adaptive measures to handle climate risks have not kept pace. The deadly floods of March 2026, which resulted in at least 37 fatalities, serve as a stark reminder that natural advantages do not automatically equate to preparedness or adaptation. The report urges Nairobi to leverage its natural advantage to bolster flood-preparedness in anticipation of upcoming El Niño rains.
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