Air pollution kills approximately 18,000 people in Kenya every year. Nairobi is one of the hardest-hit regions, with its population increasingly vulnerable to the health hazards caused by poor air quality. The most concerning pollutants—particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—are pervasive, particularly in densely populated and industrial areas.

Recent data shows that Nairobi’s air quality regularly exceeds WHO guidelines, placing residents at greater risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This crisis has driven organisations like GEO Health, a key part of the Breathe Nairobi Initiative, to equip stakeholders with tools to monitor and manage air quality. Their recent training at UoN Towers provided essential capacity-building for Nairobi City County Government officials, funded by the Clean Air Fund.

A Collaborative Effort to Combat Air Pollution

From October 14 to 18, 2024, this comprehensive training united experts from GEO Health and government representatives to confront Nairobi’s air pollution crisis. Throughout the week-long sessions, participants built a solid foundation in air quality monitoring science and technology. Additionally, the training underscored the critical connection between data, public health, and policy implementation.

Leading the discussion, Professor Nicholas Oguge, head of the GEO Health initiative in Kenya, emphasised that air pollution is not merely an environmental issue—it is a public health emergency. He highlighted the need for government agencies to break away from siloed approaches and instead promote collaboration across health, urban planning, and environmental management sectors to address this urgent issue effectively.

Air Quality Data: Turning Numbers Into Action

Collecting air quality data is essential, but the real challenge is putting that data to use effectively. The training addressed this issue with sessions led by experts like Professor Augustine Afullo and Professor Stephen Anyango, who explored the science behind air sensors and stressed the importance of evaluating sensor performance.

One key takeaway: raw data is just the beginning. For air quality data to shape policy and behaviour, it needs to be contextualised, especially in terms of health impacts. Professor Afullo highlighted that understanding socio-economic factors, like productivity losses and income impacts from pollution-related illnesses, is crucial for translating data into meaningful action.

The training also provided hands-on guidance in using air sensors—covering installation, maintenance, and data interpretation. With Nairobi’s air quality sensor network expanding, local officials now have improved skills to manage and analyse data, identify pollution hotspots, and evaluate pollution control efforts.

The Human Cost of Poor Air Quality

Another aspect of the training was focusing on the human cost of air pollution. Ms Beldine, who led the segment on the health impacts of air pollution, brought the discussion back to what matters: the people of Nairobi. Children, in particular, are bearing the brunt of Nairobi’s toxic air. Exposure to high levels of pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide stunts lung development, leaving children more susceptible to chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma.

The health segment also included a discussion on the broader societal impacts. Professor Oguge presented evidence linking air pollution to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and premature death​. He called for immediate action, emphasising that the economic implications of failing to address air pollution could be devastating. Healthier citizens mean a more productive workforce and a stronger economy—a point policymakers can no longer ignore.

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Communities

One of the most critical elements of the training was the emphasis on community engagement. Professor Anyango led a discussion on involving local communities and key stakeholders in air quality monitoring. The message was clear: for any air quality initiative to succeed, it must engage the people it seeks to protect.

However, this is where the real challenge lies. There is often a gap between the data scientists collect and the understanding of affected communities. As Professor Anyango pointed out, simply collecting data isn’t enough. That data needs to be communicated in a way that’s accessible and actionable for the public, who often don’t understand the technicalities of air pollution but live with its consequences every day​.

Engaging these sectors in meaningful dialogue is crucial in Nairobi, where industries, transport, and urban development continue to contribute to the pollution problem. The training discussed key topics of corporate responsibility, collaboration with governments, and ethical considerations in sharing air quality data.

Conclusion: A Breath of Fresh Air for Nairobi?

Air pollution presents an invisible threat, yet its impacts are unmistakable on Nairobi’s health, productivity, and quality of life. GEO Health, supported by the Clean Air Fund, has equipped Nairobi’s City County Government with the tools to tackle this escalating crisis.

However, the real work begins now. With effective tools, policies, and strong community engagement, Nairobi can make significant progress toward cleaner air. This fight will require time, but the rewards—a healthier, more resilient city—are well worth the effort.