Flood management in Narok Town.
This collaborative effort between TU Delft and Maasai Mara University students showcases the power of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. By combining technical expertise with local knowledge, the project aims to develop a more effective and culturally appropriate flood warning system for Narok Town.
In a remarkable display of international collaboration, five students from the Technical University of Delft (TU-Delft) in the Netherlands, today visited Maasai Mara University to present their ongoing work on flood management in Narok Town. The visiting team, consisting of Lisette, Tim and Emmanuel from Water Resources Engineering, Evira from Geotechnical Engineering and Lars from Construction Management/Material Engineering, engaged in a productive interactive session with local students and faculty. The School of Natural Resources, Environmental Studies and Agriculture at Maasai Mara University took the lead in hosting this enlightening event. Students from various programs, including Bachelor of Earth Sciences (specializing in Hydrology), Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, participated actively in the discussions.
The session focused on critical aspects of flood management in the Enkare-Narok River basin, addressing key questions such as determining sufficient warning times for saving lives, securing livestock and protecting property, exploring theft-proof installation methods for flood sensors and identifying effective ways to transmit warnings to Narok Town inhabitants. Local students shared their invaluable knowledge about flooding in Narok, providing the TU-Delft team with crucial insights to enhance their project. This exchange of ideas and experiences is expected to significantly improve the flood management strategies being developed.
Dr. Samson Mabwoga, the Acting Dean of the School of Natural Resources, emphasized the importance of involving local stakeholders in the co-design and installation of flood sensors. He stressed that business owners, farmers and residents of Narok Town – all of whom are affected by flooding – can make significant contributions to the project a success. This collaborative effort between TU Delft and Maasai Mara University students showcases the power of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. By combining technical expertise with local knowledge, the project aims to develop a more effective and culturally appropriate flood warning system for Narok Town.
The visit not only fostered academic exchange but also strengthened the bonds between the two universities, paving the way for future collaborations in addressing pressing environmental issues. As the project progresses, both institutions look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on the lives of Narok residents and the broader field of flood management in vulnerable regions.