Navigating Climate Challenges through Communication Strategies for Conserving and Restoring Nairobi River Water Resources in Nairobi City, Kenya

Abstract

This study examines the significance of communication strategies in enhancing conservation and restoration efforts for the Nairobi River, a vital Kenyan freshwater resource increasingly threatened by urbanisation, pollution, and climate change. It identifies key barriers to progress, including inconsistent messaging, limited community climate literacy, and fragmented stakeholder coordination, underscoring the need for a unified communication approach to foster collective action. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research integrates quantitative content analysis of policy documents to identify trends in water resource management with qualitative thematic analysis to explore stakeholder motivations and contextual complexities. Data were collected through a systematic review of 25 relevant publications, including national policies, stakeholder reports, and media, selected using PRISMA guidelines. Findings reveal that participatory communication, digital media campaigns, and culturally relevant messaging significantly boost community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. The study concludes that integrating adaptive communication strategies with climate science is critical for sustaining Nairobi River restoration efforts.