Ujamaa Virtual Colloquium Series, with Dr. Tyler Myroniuk

Join sociologist and social demographer Tyler Myroniuk for a talk examining how catastrophic flooding shaped migration decisions among young mothers in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

In-person: Bailey Hall, 204

Virtual: ZOOM REGISTRATION

ABOUT THE TALK

There is considerable demographic research on migration after natural disasters but little on migration after catastrophic flooding in non-coastal urban areas. In late April and early May 2024, large portions of Kenya experienced such flooding due to rainfall, which, in cities, was likely exacerbated by substandard infrastructure. In this paper, we assess: 1) if flood exposure predicts whether young mothers (18-29 years), living in two Nairobi informal settlements, moved outside of those settlements; and 2) whether the availability of kin factored into relocation. To do so, we use five waves of data (March 2022-April 2024) from the JAMO (JAMAA na AFYA ya MTOTO) project, in addition to a post-flood Interwave module in June 2024. Our identification strategy centers on 569 mothers who did not move between Wave 1 and 5—covering the two years—prior to the floods. This research is underscored by the intensification of climate events, growth of urban poverty, and health consequences in low- and middle-income countries.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Tyler Myroniuk is a social demographer and Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Kansas. Myroniuk’s interests are broadly in the areas of internal migration, family dynamics, and health—particularly mental health, obesity, and aging. Most of his work is set in sub-Saharan Africa (Malawi, South Africa, and Kenya), though he has recently conducted health research and quality improvement studies in the United States and Canada. His work has appeared peer-review outlets such as Demography, the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Population Research and Policy Review, International Migration Review, and the American Journal of Human Biology. Myroniuk has also served as an Associate Editor of Demographic Research since 2022.