Households’ Involvement in State and Non-State Actors’ Initiatives Towards Flood Disaster Risk Reduction Within Informal Settlements in Nairobi City County

Abstract

Household involvement in disaster risk reduction (DRR) has been identified as an essential foundation of resilience. However, empirical evidence on the levels and quality of household involvement is limited in terms of awareness, mobilisation, and response. This study evaluated household involvement in flood disaster risk reduction (DRR) programmes in informal settlements (Kibra and Mathare) of Nairobi City County, Kenya, among state and non-state actors using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from 455 respondents comprising 398 household heads, 42 community leaders, ten non-state and five state actors using the use of questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and photography. Findings show low levels of household involvement in six DRR activities (49.2-64.0% saying they were involved in none), preparedness kits (64.0%), and training/drills (61.4%). Slight involvement is the highest at 46.2% and active involvement is low at 8 or less than 2.0%. Qualitative insights reveal exclusion from top-down planning, loss of trust, and motivation. Correlation analysis reveals strong linkages of inter-activity (training and preparedness kits, r=0.882, p<0.01), suggesting integrated interventions, which amplify involvement. Despite the high level of flood risk awareness (61.9%), the proportion with emergency kits and adopting proactive measures is low (19.5% and 17.0% respectively), highlighting the knowledge-action gap. Preparedness is the highest in DRR performance, followed by recovery, mitigation, and response. Structural barriers, tenure insecurity, and lack of resources are barriers to involvement. The study recommends the use of participatory approaches, integration of local champions, and incentives such as technical support to build resilience in communities.