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CHAPTER 4 - Physiography and Landforms

The document summarizes the physiography and landforms of Kwale County, Kenya. It describes four main topographical zones: 1) the coastal plain, 2) the foot plateau, 3) the coastal uplands, and 4) the Nyika plateau. It also discusses the county's marine physiography including coral reefs and sandy beaches. Several rivers are named and their sources and paths described. Finally, the climate zones of the county are outlined as warm and humid along the coast, cool and wet in coastal highlands, and hot and dry in inland areas.

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224 views15 pages

CHAPTER 4 - Physiography and Landforms

The document summarizes the physiography and landforms of Kwale County, Kenya. It describes four main topographical zones: 1) the coastal plain, 2) the foot plateau, 3) the coastal uplands, and 4) the Nyika plateau. It also discusses the county's marine physiography including coral reefs and sandy beaches. Several rivers are named and their sources and paths described. Finally, the climate zones of the county are outlined as warm and humid along the coast, cool and wet in coastal highlands, and hot and dry in inland areas.

Uploaded by

Ali Budz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PART II: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

4 PHYSIOGRAPHY AND LANDFORMS

4.1 Physiography and landforms

4.1.1 Topography and Relief


Kwale County is composed of four major topographical zones namely: the coastal plain, foot
plateau, coastal uplands and Nyika plateau. The beaches and coral reefs, which are
contained within the coastal plains and forms a fundamental aspect of the county’s
topographical profile.
1. Coastal plain (coral rag) –lies 30m above sea level, 3-10km wide, 255km from Likoni
to Vanga, extends 10km inland. Consists of sand, corals and alluvial deposits.
2. The foot plateau –it lies between 60m-135m above sea level after coastal plain. Has
rich sand hills and loamy soils hence high agricultural potential. It’s a sugarcane zone
of Kwale county.
3. Coastal uplands –this is the Shimba hills which lies between 15om-462m above the
sea level therefore a medium to high agricultural potential area. It’s made up of many
sandstone hills; Shimba Hills (420 m), Tsimba (350 m), Mrima (323 m) and Dzombo
(462 m). This is an area of medium to high agricultural potential.
4. Nyika Plateau –lies between 180m-300m above the sea level on the western
boundary of the region. It is semi-arid underlain by a basement rock system. Has
patches of poor reddish sand soils. The main activity in the area is livestock rearing.

Figure 4- 1: Cross section of the topographical zones in Kwale County

Source: Kwale District & Mombasa Mainland South Regional Physical Development Plan 2004–2034

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Map 4- 1: Kwale County Elevation Map

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4.1.2 Marine Physiography


Coral reefs
Coral reefs in the region occur as coral flats, lagoons, reef platforms and fringing reefs. They
cover a total estimated area of 50,000 ha. Stony coral covers an average of between 30%
and 40% of the entire coral. The corals attract tourists and are important for fisheries.
The main threats to corals are: over-exploitation (including illegal collection), silt deposition
from rivers draining agricultural land, pollution (industrial, domestic and oil discharges)
Sandy Beaches
Kwale’s County coastline covers approximately 250 kilometres with fine white sandy
beaches which form spectacular recreational areas which includes Diani beach (17km
stretch), Tiwi, Msambweni, Shimoni and Vanga beaches.

However, these landforms are experiencing a number of challenges as illustrated in the


table below.
Table 4- 1: Rivers in Kwale County

Beach Characteristics Problems

Tiwi Fine grained sand, mangrove  No sanitary facilities


Beach swamps  No solid waste management

Diani Fine grained sand, coral reefs,  Beach erosion


Beach Tidal flats, mangrove swamps  Onshore deposition of solid
waste including plastics.
Shimoni Sheltered coral reefs, tidal flats,  Beach erosion
sea grass meadows, mangrove  Onshore deposition of solid
swamps, exposed cliffs and waste including plastics.
steep rocks  Deposition of dead sea grass
and sea weed
Vanga Fine grained sand, sheltered  Litter and solid waste floating
tidal flats mangrove swamps in sea water
sea grass meadows, steep
rocks

The county’s topographic features provide resources that can potentially be used to
contribute to the development of the area if such resources are utilized sustainably.

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4.1.3 Drainage
Generally, the county is well drained through a system of seven permanent rivers and
various seasonal rivers and tributaries where three rivers traverse Msambweni Sub-county
draining to the Indian Ocean. The principal drainage pattern assumes the regional dip; East-
South-East direction, with Shimba Hills blocking the normal seaward course directing the
rivers to the north.

Table 4- 2: Rivers in Kwale County

River Source Areas traversed Endpoint


Marere Marere Spring Shimba Hills Indian Ocean at
National Park Bombo Creek
Shimba rain forest
Mkurumudzi Shimba Hills Shimba Hills Msambweni Indian Ocean at
Gazi Msambweni
Umba Usambara Mountains Lunga-lunga –Vanga Indian Ocean at
Vanga
Pemba Marere Spring Kinango Kinango-Tsunza Indian Ocean at
area Bombo Creek
Ramisi Chenze Ranges Mwereni –Shimoni Indian Ocean at
Bod/Shimoni
Mwache South Samburu South Samburu Indian Ocean at
Mazeras
Mwachema Majimboni~Msulwa Majimboni-Gombato- Indian Ocean at
Diani Diani
Source: First Kwale County Integrated Development Plan CIDP 2013-2017

Ground water resources and potential


Ground water potential is a function of rainfall and porosity of the underlying rock. Its
quality is largely determined by the geology of the area. The Duruma sandstone series
occupy a great part of the middle area of the region, Kinango and Samburu Divisions. Most
of underground water in this series is saline and found in greater depths. Along the coastal
belt, the region has a great potential of potable underground water. There are six
underground water catchments and/or reservoir areas along the coastal belt in Kwale. These
are:

1. Tiwi catchment –The aquifer has a width of 20 km with good quality water. It has a
through flow of 42,000m2/ hr. This reduces to 25,000m2/hr to the north of Ng’ombeni
due to decrease in permeability

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2. Msambweni – covers about 42 km2 with a through flow of 27,440m 3/hr. Out of the
total capacity, only 13,720m 3/hr can be obstructed without changes in water quality
during the dry spell
3. Diani catchment – Covers 19 km2 and has a very low recharge due to high clay
content which decreases permeability. It has a through flow of 1400m 3/hr. A number
of shallow boreholes have been drilled in the area.
4. Ramisi catchment – This is a very large catchment that reaches westward to include
outcrops of the Duruma sandstone series. Due to this reason surface runoff are
saline. Water Quality is fair along the coast.

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Map 4- 2: Drainage Map

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4.1.4 Climate
The climate of Kwale County can be categorised into three major climatic zones based on
the climatic characteristics of the county. These zones include, warm and humid, cool and
wet and hot and dry.

The warm and humid climate is experienced along the coastal strip and extends inwards in
areas such as Msambweni, Tiwi, Waa, Diani, Vanga, Shimoni, Matuga. This is due to the
influence of South-West Monsoon and North-Easterly winds which bring changes to the
rainfall and temperatures. Temperatures along these coastal areas range between 26 0C and
300C. Humidity within this zone is approximately 95% annually.

The cool and wet climate is largely experienced within the coastal highlands in areas of
Kwale Town, Shimba Hills, Dzombo and Mrima due to the influence of elevation and
vegetation cover of canopy trees. Humidity within these areas is also low.

The hot and dry climate is largely experienced in the ASAL areas of Kinango and parts of
Lunga Lunga Sub-counties. Temperatures within these hinterland areas are higher compared
to the coastal zone and range from about 30 0C to 400C and humidity is approximately 60%
annually.

Average temperature in the county is approximately 22 0C.

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Map 3: Average Annual Temperature

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4.1.4.1 Rainfall
The amount of rainfall decreases as distance increases into the hinterland. Even though the
county’s rainfall is bimodal, this pattern has been changing over the recent years due to the
impacts of climatic change.
Annual average rainfall ranges from 500mm in the rangelands of the Nyika Plateau to
1200mm in the high rainfall areas of the Coastal Strip. Areas of Shimba Hills and Dzombo
receive the most rainfall with about 5000mm of rainfall per annum.

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Map 4: Rainfall Distribution Map

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4.1.4.2 Winds
There are two prevailing wind directions that influence the climate of the Kwale County.
These are the Southwest Monsoon winds which blow inland in October to March and the
North-Easterlies which blow towards the sea in April to September. Short rains are usually in
September to November when the monsoon winds blow inland. Long rains are in March to
June and are influenced by Monsoons blowing towards the sea.

4.1.5 Soils
Soils act as a medium for plant growth; act as a means of water storage, supply and
purification and are natural habitats for organisms.

4.1.5.1 Soil distribution and types in Kwale County


Soil distribution and types over the region can broadly be categorized into four
physiographic zones:
A) COASTAL PLAINS

In this zone, the soils are predominantly sandy and loamy in texture. Areas covered by
coastal plain zone types of soils are Likoni to Chale, parts of Msambweni, Funzi, Shimoni and
Wasini Island. Other areas are Muhaka, Ramisi, Majoreni and Vanga in Lunga-lunga sub-
county.
Some of the soils in this zone are also partly saline.
B) COASTAL UPLANDS

Soils in the coastal uplands are developed on unconsolidated sandy deposits, shale and
limestone. They range from sand to loam and loam to clay. The areas covered by these types
of soils are Waa in Matuga sub-county, Tsimba, Kundutsi and Bongwe. Other areas endowed
with these soils are Shimba Hills, Kikoneni, Perani, Mkongani, Mbuguni, Tsunza and some
parts of Kinango and Mariakani. Soils in these areas are well-drained; however, some areas
of Kinango and Mariakani are partially drained.
C ) INLAND PLAINS

This zone is endowed with soils on gritty sandstones, shale and basement system rocks. The
soils in this zone (Nyika Plateau) are deep and imperfectly drained. Areas covered by these
soils are Taru, Samburu, Mackinon, Kilimangodo and west of Shambini.
D ) OTHER TYPES OF SOILS

These are categorised in two:


i. Soils developed in tidal swamps and flood plains. They mostly cover areas in the
southern parts of the Coastal plain, namely Wasini Island, Majoreni, Shirazi/Bodo,
Gazi, Tsunza and along Umba River flood plain.

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ii. There also are soils developed on the hill scarps and Kuranze Triangle. They are
loamy-to-sandy, shallow to deep and well-drained. In order to improve on crop yields,
measures should be undertaken to raise the soil fertility of the region.

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Map 4- 3: Soil Types

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4.1.6 Geology

4.1.6.1 The Basements Rocks


These are the oldest rocks. They occur as gneisses schists, quartzites, granitoids and
crystalline limestone. Basement rocks are the chief bearers of gemstones in the region.
KAROO SEDIMENTS
Karoo sediments are rocks represented the Duruma sand stone series. They are divided into
the following formations.
a. The Taru Formation
The Taru formation forms a continuous belt of more than 20 km wide in north south
direction from Samburu to Tanzanian border.
b. The Maji ya Chumvi Formation
This formation is divided into two, the lower and the upper Maji ya Chumvi formation. It
occurs between the Taru and Mariakani formation. The economic minerals found in this rock
formation are rock slabs and minor quantities of coal.
c. The Mariakani Formation
The Mariakani formation runs almost in a north-south direction but does not reach the
Tanzanian border due to faulting. They form the eastern part of the region’s hinterland. The
economic minerals found in this formation are the Mariakani sandstone.
d. The Mazeras Formation
This rock formation consists of sandstones and arkoses, which form the Shimba Hills. The
Mazeras sandstones are the source of the Marere Springs, which supplies fresh water to
Kwale town and some parts of Mombasa.

4.1.6.2 Jurassic-Cretaceous Rocks


They are found around Shimba Hills and on the western shores of Mombasa Island.
Economic minerals found are iron oxide, lead, zinc and copper within Kambe limestone, Maji
ya Chumvi sandstone around Mkang’ombe area (Kinango Division), limestone blocks, ballast
and limestone around Waa (Matuga Division).

4.1.6.3 The Recent Sediments and Deposits


These are an extension of the Marafa and Magarini formations. Magarini formation consists
of sand dunes that form ridges parallel to the coastal line from Marenje Hill in the south to
some parts of Shimba Hills, north of Mwachema and south of Mwena Rivers. Economic
minerals found are Titanium. Silica sand is currently being mined at Ramisi and Msambweni
and used in the glass and soap manufacturing industries.

Others include Pleistocene sand facies which consist of sands with coral debris. These
landforms are found in Ramisi and Majoreni. They also include the Reef Complex that

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consists of a tough white to yellow limestone. The economic minerals found are quarried
building blocks and guano deposits from caves at Similani, Ng’ombeni, and Shimoni. They
are used as organic fertilizer.

4.1.6.4 Intrusive Rocks


These rocks occur in the central southern part and include regions of Dzombo, Chiruku,
Mrima, Nguluku Hills and Dzirihini Hills. They are composed of igneous rocks. The economic
mineral found are rare earth niobium and phosphates, both of which are located at Mrima.

The table below shows the economic potential of minerals found in the rock profile of Kwale
County.

Table 4- 3: Economic potential of Kwale rock profile

Rock sediment Mineral found in Rock Economic Viability


Basement rocks Limestone, in form of They bear gemstones
gneisses schists, quartzites
and granitoids and crystalline
Karoo sediments Maji ya Chumvi formation Rock slabs for Construction
Traces of coal (mining)
Mariakani formation Sandstone: Source of ballast for
road and building construction

Mazeras formation Mazeras sandstone: Source of


water for Kwale town
Jurassic rocks Limestone blocks and ballast Manufacturing and
construction
Recent rock sediments Titanium Mining (in progress)
Pleinstone and facies Quarry rocks from caves in Organic fertilizer from guano
Shimoni and Ngombeni deposits (the excrement of
seabirds and bats)
Intrusive rocks Rare earth elements and Colouring of glass and
phosphates (e.g. ceramics, also used in electric
Neodymium) motors
Source: Consultant data synthesis

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Common questions

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Kwale's coastline faces challenges such as beach erosion, solid waste deposition, and siltation from agricultural runoff . These issues threaten both natural habitats and tourism. Addressing them requires implementing effective waste management systems to reduce onshore waste deposition, reforestation and stabilization initiatives to combat erosion, and sustainable agricultural practices to minimize runoff. Moreover, community education and engagement are critical to ensure local support for environmental conservation efforts .

The coastal wetlands, incorporating sandy beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove swamps, contribute significantly to biodiversity by providing habitat for various marine species and supporting fisheries, which are crucial for local livelihoods . Economically, these wetlands attract tourists, boosting the local tourism sector. However, they face threats from environmental degradation, like waste disposal and erosion, which could undermine their environmental and economic roles unless managed sustainably .

Kwale County's geological formations include basement rocks, Karoo sediments, Jurassic-Cretaceous rocks, and recent sediments. Basement rocks, containing gneisses and schists, are sources of gemstones . Karoo sediments, particularly the Mariakani formation, provide construction materials like sandstone . Jurassic-Cretaceous rocks offer minerals like limestone and ores of lead, zinc, and copper . Recent sediments contribute titanium used in industry. Each formation not only supports mining activities but also shapes the landscape utilized for agriculture, water resources, and tourism, highlighting their diverse economic contributions .

Kwale County is divided into warm and humid, cool and wet, and hot and dry climate zones, each impacting vegetation and agricultural patterns differently . The warm and humid coastal areas support dense vegetation and diverse crops due to high humidity and moderate temperatures. In contrast, the cool and wet zones in highlands like the Shimba Hills favor crops requiring cooler climates, supported by rainfall. The hot and dry zones in areas like Kinango are less favorable for crop agriculture, instead supporting drought-resistant or seasonal crops and livestock rearing due to higher temperatures and lower humidity .

Kwale County has significant mineral wealth, including titanium, rare earth elements, and phosphates . The ongoing mining of titanium demonstrates the area's potential impact on economic development through job creation and export revenue. Other minerals like niobium and rare earth elements can enhance technological and industrial capacity if mined responsibly. The economic viability of minerals in karoo sediments and recent rock deposits can diversify local income sources. However, mining activities must balance economic benefits with environmental and social considerations to ensure sustainable development .

Kwale County consists of four main topographical zones: the coastal plain, foot plateau, coastal uplands, and Nyika plateau . These zones influence agricultural activities in several ways: the coastal plain, composed of sandy and loamy textures, supports agriculture with its alluvial deposits. The foot plateau, with its rich sand hills and loamy soils, is highly suitable for sugarcane cultivation. The coastal uplands, particularly the Shimba hills, have medium to high agricultural potential due to elevation that supports diverse crops . The Nyika Plateau, on the other hand, is semi-arid with poorer soils, thus primarily supporting livestock rearing .

Underground water resources in Kwale are significant for domestic use and agriculture, particularly along the coastal belt where the potential for potable water is high. Factors affecting their quality include the geology of the area, with certain zones having saline water due to the Duruma sandstone series . The availability is influenced by rainfall patterns and rock porosity, impacting recharge rates. Several catchments like Tiwi and Msambweni have been identified for their substantial throughflow, yet issues like reduced permeability and varying water quality persist, necessitating careful management for sustainable use .

Soil type variation in Kwale strongly influences land use decisions. In coastal plains, sandy and loamy soils support horticulture and small-scale agriculture, while the saline character in some regions restricts crop variety. Coastal uplands with sandy loam support more varied agriculture due to better nutrient retention. Inland plains feature gritty sandstone soils, favorable for grazing but require management for high crop yields. Soil improvement measures are crucial in these areas to boost fertility and consequently agriculture and sustainable land utilization .

Prevailing winds in Kwale, like the Southwest Monsoon and North-Easterlies, influence temperature and rainfall patterns, thus impacting agricultural cycles, fishing, and tourism . The Monsoons bring rains beneficial for agriculture but also pose challenges with storm surges affecting coastal activities. Fishing is seasonal, tied to wind and wave conditions controlled by these winds. Tourism peaks during dry and calm periods when the absence of monsoon rains and pleasant temperatures attract visitors, indicating winds' direct impact on socio-economic activities .

Rainfall in Kwale County shows a gradient from high in the coastal areas to low in interior regions like Nyika Plateau, creating disparities in water resource availability . This distribution results in arid zones facing challenges like water scarcity, impacting both agriculture and domestic needs. Areas like Shimba Hills, receiving up to 5000mm, support ample water supply but require management to prevent erosion and nutrient leaching. Addressing these challenges involves infrastructure for water capture and storage, equitable distribution strategies, and community-based water management systems to ensure sustainable use across varied climatic zones .

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