The new network, consisting of 50 new low-cost sensors, will provide real-time data across the city, enabling: identification of pollution hotspots, evidence-based policymaking, and timely, targeted interventions
This move is expected to enhance the city’s capacity to tackle air pollution, which caused an estimated 2,500 premature deaths in Nairobi in 2019.
In a press release dated June 11, 2025, the Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, noted that the deployment is a core component of the Breathe Cities Nairobi initiative, launched in September 2024.
“This milestone marks a turning point in our commitment to improving air quality management,” Sakaja said.
“By deploying a city-owned air quality monitoring network, we are taking bold, practical steps to ensure that every Nairobi resident has access to cleaner and safer air.”
Breathe Cities is a global partnership between the Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies aimed at reducing air pollution in major cities by 30% by 2030, using 2019 levels as a baseline.
Nairobi is one of 14 cities worldwide participating in the program.
Environment Chief Officer, Geofrey Omatoke Mosiria, Head of Project Delivery – Breathe Cities, Lucile Brethes and Technical Head for Breathe Cities, Seneca Vieira, during the flag off ceremony of the city’s first-ever air quality monitoring network on June 11, 2025/EZEKIEL AMING’A
Source: The Star