Current Environmental Problems
Kenya Coast Portal
Section:
Reviews
Category:
Environment
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Number of pages:
14
Year of publication:
2000
Print title:
Tole M.P. (2000). Current Environmental Problems. In Hoorweg J., Foeken D. & Obudho R. eds. Kenya Coast Handbook: Culture, resources and development in the East African littoral. (pp.61-72). Hamburg: LIT Verlag.
For reference purposes, cite the following link:
https://www.ascleiden.nl/kenya-coast/reviews/tole/environmental-problems
Summary/abstract:
Existing environmental problems are general in nature as well as specific to the Kenya Coast. Extensive erosion occurs along the coastline while at the same time there is sizeable sedimentation brought about by the Tana, Sabaki and other smaller rivers. Inland soil erosion is most serious in the hilly ranges and the hinterland plateau. Natural hazards firstly concern floods that occur regularly. As regards biological resources, here are manifold threats to the coral reefs ranging from siltation to physical destruction. Mangroves are threatened due to rapid and unplanned exploitation. The terrestrial forests suffer from overexploitation, mining activities and clearance for cultivation. Air pollution is generally not a problem except in Mombasa and in certain rural areas with industrial emissions. Water pollution is more serious in nature: groundwater is affected by sea water intrusion as well as bacterial contamination; sea water is increasingly contaminated by sewage from beach hotels and urban waste and sewage. Waste disposal facilities are generally inadequate.