Adoption of Green Roofs for Climate Change Adaptation in Nairobi CBD:

A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) is increasingly affected by environmental challenges, including the Urban Heat Island effect and flash flooding. Although green roofs offer effective solutions for temperature regulation and stormwater management, their adoption remains notably low. This study applied a mixed-methods approach, guided by the Diffusion of Innovations and Planned Behavior theories, to evaluate adoption factors among 110 stakeholders, including architects, developers, and regulators. Findings reveal a significant gap between positive perceptions and actual implementation. While stakeholders highly rate the aesthetic (M = 4.27) and environmental (M = 4.19) benefits of green roofs, they report limited practical exposure (M = 2.68) and technical training. Although retrofitting is viewed as feasible (M = 3.87), high initial costs—ranging from KSh 3,000 to 7,000/m²—remain a critical deterrent. The study concludes that favorable attitudes alone are insufficient for adoption, requiring mandatory regulations, standardized guidelines, and targeted financial incentives.