The Mombasa County government in partnership with environmental groups, youth organizations and community stakeholders, has launched a greening initiative to combat the city’s worsening urban heat crisis through the planting of 40 indigenous trees comprising 11 different species across the central business district.
The coastal city has been experiencing unusually high temperatures in recent months, with residents struggling with relentless heat both indoors and outdoors. Even with the onset of rains, sweltering conditions have persisted, underscoring a growing climate challenge that is increasingly difficult to ignore.
Basil Angaga, Head of Sustainability in the county’s Environment Department and founder of Together 4 Climate, described the initiative as the culmination of months of planning, dialogue, and collaboration.
“We were able to bring other young people on board to tackle the issues facing our city and ensure a better climate, not only for us but for future generations,” Angaga said.
Conducted under the People for Urban Resilience Project, the trees were carefully selected for their resilience and ecological benefits. They are expected to provide shade, lower surface and air temperatures and support biodiversity in the city.
Unlike past greening efforts that focused largely on ornamental and exotic species such as palm trees, the initiative marks a shift toward science-driven urban forestry. Experts from the Kenya Forest Service and independent botanists were involved in identifying suitable indigenous species capable of thriving in Mombasa’s coastal climate.
“For a long time, greening in our city focused on aesthetics rather than function. But palms, while beautiful, don’t provide shade or cooling. Indigenous trees, on the other hand, offer real ecosystem services,” Angaga said.
The trees were nurtured for over a year at an indigenous nursery in Kilifi before being transplanted to Mombasa. The planting process followed strict scientific standards, with one-metre cube holes prepared to ensure optimal root development and survival.
Beyond planting, the initiative places strong emphasis on maintenance and community ownership. The county government has committed to regular watering, while local communities and partners will monitor the trees’ growth and health.
“This is not a one-day event. We will be back every two weeks to check on the trees, fix any issues and ensure a high survival rate,” Angaga said.
The project also seeks to address urban heat through policy and planning reforms. Advocates are pushing for updated building codes that integrate green spaces and climate-sensitive designs, alongside landscaping ordinances requiring developers to incorporate greenery into their projects.
“We want buildings in this city to reflect the realities of our climate. People should live in spaces that are not only functional but also comfortable and connected to nature,” he said.
The broader goal is to transform Mombasa into a city where outdoor life is once again possible. With extreme heat discouraging physical activity, experts warn of rising health risks linked to sedentary lifestyles.
“We cannot have a city where children are confined indoors because it is too hot to play outside. We must create spaces that allow people to be active and enjoy nature,” Angaga added.
The initiative is expanding to other parts of the city, including Park Square and Jomo Kenyatta Road, where a mix of trees and shrubs will be introduced depending on infrastructure constraints such as power lines. Plans are also underway to remove sections of concrete and artificial turf to restore soil and improve water absorption, helping to mitigate flash floods.
Lillian Wambua of Nia Ventures said the exercise represents a shift from discussion to action. “It’s time to move the climate conversation from boardrooms to communities. Simple acts like planting trees can have a powerful impact when we act collectively,” she said.
Young people have been particularly instrumental in driving the initiative. Timothy Osala, a third-year counselling psychology student at the Technical University of Mombasa, underscored the urgency of climate action.
“The heat in Mombasa is intense, you feel it everywhere. This project is about making our city habitable again. One tree may seem small, but it makes a difference,” he said.
Felix Mariera, a transport engineer with the county government, noted that tree-lined roads could also improve road safety.
“Studies in transport psychology show that tree-lined corridors create a visual enclosure effect that encourages drivers to reduce speed. So this is not just about beautification, it is a multifunctional infrastructure intervention,” he said.
By Sitati Reagan
