Nairobi: Kenya is taking a significant leap forward in disaster preparedness with the development of a state-of-the-art geo-hazard monitoring system. This initiative aims to track potentially destructive seismological activities, safeguarding the nation from various subterranean threats.
According to Kenya News Agency, this new surveillance system will place Kenya among the few nations equipped with a home-grown geo-hazard monitoring network. The system is designed to map, collect, and analyze data on seismic events, including earthquakes, tsunamis, tremors, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. This initiative is part of a broader strategic vision by the State Department for Mining to bolster the country’s early warning systems and enhance its seismic data-gathering capabilities.
The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, emphasized the importance of the advanced geo-hazard surveillance system. He stated that it would significantly enhance Kenya’s ability to combat both emerging and existing natural calamities. Mwangi highlighted that accurate data provision is crucial for informed decision-making and response strategies concerning geo-hazards.
Mwangi explained, ‘The monitoring of occurrences such as volcanic eruptions, quakes, tremors, landslides, and sinkholes is vital for safeguarding national development, including the protection of people and property. This is precisely what the system is poised to achieve.’
Historically, Kenya’s preparedness for major disasters like earthquakes has been a minor aspect of geological discussions. However, the country’s rapid urbanization, population growth, and city expansion have brought greater attention to safety measures against geological hazards. Kenya is located within the Great Rift Valley, a seismically active zone stretching from Eritrea to Mozambique.
In recent years, Kenya has experienced several earth tremors, with the latest incident reported in July last year, registering a magnitude of 4.6. Local geophysicists agree that the country remains vulnerable to severe geo-hazards, highlighting the need for effective countermeasures.
The most severe earthquake recorded in Kenya occurred in 1928 at Subukia, with a seismic strength of 6.8. Fortunately, the quake caused minimal damage due to the area’s sparse population and limited development at the time.
John Ogalo, Head of the Geophysics Unit at the Mining Department, stated that a local seismic surveillance network would enhance efforts to monitor and gather data on various geo-hazards within the country. He noted, ‘Our local network will provide us with timely access and real-time data processing and analysis of seismic activities within Kenya.’
Currently, Kenya relies on foreign-based stations such as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for seismic activity reports. Local entities like Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and Geothermal Development Corporation (GDC) have their mini-networks for monitoring geothermal wells. However, a robust monitoring system for Kenya requires strategically positioned stations for real-time data transmission.
Site identification and suitability inspections are already underway, with planned stations in Maasai Mara, Eldas, Lodwar, and Lamu, and a reporting station in Nairobi. This setup will facilitate data comparison with foreign-based networks.
Despite the progress, budgetary constraints pose a challenge to the project’s completion, estimated to cost over Sh 600 million. During a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Mining, the mining team, led by the PS, appealed for adequate resource allocation to support vital programs, including geological exploration and geo-hazard mapping.
The emergence of high-rise buildings and mega infrastructure projects has underscored the need to assess the structural soundness of construction sites. The World Bank, through the National Construction Authority and geophysicists, has initiated a project to design building codes for emerging cities along the Rift, considering factors like material strength, maximum load, and structural resilience against seismic events.