On Friday, 13 June 2025, the Breathe Cities Campaign convened a strategic community workshop at Ngomongo Social Hall in Korogocho. Organised by SDI Kenya, the event brought together residents, government officials, community-based organisations, and grassroots advocates for a collaborative conversation on air quality in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

The Korogocho engagement was part of a broader campaign that aims to reduce air pollution and climate emissions by 30% in Nairobi’s informal settlements by 2030. In collaboration with Muungano wa Wanavijiji and with the support of Nairobi City County, the campaign focuses on equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to advocate for clean air, reduce health risks, and promote environmental justice.

Mapping Pollution, Sharing Realities in Korogocho

Residents from across Korogocho’s villages were divided into groups to map pollution sources in their environment. The participatory exercises surfaced common culprits: smoke from open dumpsites, traffic emissions, domestic waste burning, charcoal and firewood cooking, poor ventilation in homes, and industrial dust from construction sites.

These pollutants are not merely environmental nuisances—they carry a heavy public health toll. Community members reported an alarming rise in respiratory illnesses, including asthma and bronchitis, alongside persistent headaches, eye irritation, and fatigue. For many families, medical bills are mounting, incomes are being lost, and school attendance is disrupted.

Air Quality and the Law: What Communities Need to Know

Kusudi Cause led an eye-opening session on air quality governance. Millicent, the facilitator, walked participants through national and global frameworks—including WHO thresholds for key pollutants, the Paris Agreement, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Kenya’s EMCA Act, and the recently passed Nairobi City County Air Quality Act.

Despite these frameworks, participants expressed frustration at the limited enforcement within informal settlements. The conversation revealed a clear gap between legal protections on paper and implementation on the ground—particularly in vulnerable communities.

Korogocho’s Dialogue with Policymakers: Bridging the Gap

In an important exchange, residents engaged directly with representatives from Green Nairobi and NaPTA. Officials discussed the county’s new Air Quality Act and the deployment of monitoring sensors in informal settlements, emphasising the critical role of community-led data and participation in shaping policy responses.

The dialogue reinforced mutual accountability: community members shared real-life impacts and asked tough questions, while government officials outlined their commitments and welcomed continued engagement.

Empowering Grassroots Voices with Digital Tools

The day concluded with a training session on digital advocacy. Participants—particularly youth—were introduced to mobile and social media tools for documenting air quality issues, creating compelling content, and organising campaigns online. By building digital literacy, the workshop aimed to amplify local voices, ensuring that grassroots concerns resonate in policy spaces and across the city.

Who Participated in the Korogocho Community Workshop?

A total of 47 people took part, with women making up 55% of attendees. The majority (55%) were aged between 26 and 35, followed by young adults aged 18–25. Participants represented a broad cross-section of the community: youth groups, environmental CBOs, women’s organisations, schools, community health volunteers, and local government.

Key Takeaways

1. Clear Sources Identified: Open dumping, waste burning, charcoal use, traffic emissions, and blocked drainage are major pollution sources.

2. Health & Economic Burden: Air pollution has led to increased illness, absenteeism, and household expenses.

3. Legal Knowledge Gaps: Communities lack access to critical legal and policy information, and enforcement remains weak.

4. Policy Engagement Works: Open forums between residents and policymakers foster trust and co-creation of solutions.

5. Digital Advocacy Matters: Equipping youth and organisers with digital tools enhances their ability to advocate for cleaner air.

6. Community Readiness: Residents expressed strong interest in forming local air quality committees and engaging in ongoing monitoring and advocacy.

Conclusion

The Breathe Cities workshop in Korogocho demonstrated the power of inclusive, participatory engagement in addressing urban air pollution. By centring community voices, bridging policy gaps, and investing in grassroots capacity, Nairobi can take meaningful steps toward cleaner air and healthier urban environments.