Nairobi has taken a bold step toward cleaner air and healthier living by launching its first-ever city-owned air quality monitoring network. This major development under the Breathe Cities Nairobi initiative is set to transform how the city tackles air pollution, one of the most dangerous urban threats.

With an estimated 2,500 premature deaths in 2019 attributed to air pollution in Nairobi (Health Effects Institute, 2020), and air quality levels in 2023 being four times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) safe limits, the need for urgent, evidence-based intervention is clear.

New Sensors to Track Pollution

The Nairobi City County Government has installed 50 city-owned air quality sensors across the city. These sensors will provide real-time, localised data to identify pollution hotspots and monitor trends. The data will guide city officials in making informed decisions about traffic flow, urban development, and emissions control.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Johnson Sakaja, Chief Officer for Environment Geofrey Mosiria stated:
“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, safer air. This is a vital investment in the well-being of our people and the future of our city.”

Policies to Protect Public Health

The new network will support the development of Nairobi City County Air Quality Regulations and an Air Quality Action Plan, helping to standardise efforts across different city departments and sectors. These efforts aim to reduce pollution exposure and ultimately improve public health outcomes.

Air pollution has been strongly linked to a rise in respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to the Kenya Ministry of Health (2023), over 150,000 people in Nairobi were treated for respiratory illnesses caused by air pollution in that year alone.

“We look forward to the effective use of this network to inform both policy and the public,” Mosira added.
“This marks a new era of data-driven air quality management for our city.”

Global Support through Breathe Cities

The Nairobi air quality monitoring network is a key pillar of the Breathe Cities Nairobi initiative, which launched in September 2024. Backed by Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the initiative aims to cut air pollution in participating cities by 30% by 2030, using 2019 as the baseline.

Nairobi is one of 14 global cities selected to benefit from this initiative, which includes funding, technical support, and global peer learning.

“The occasion today is both fulfilling and inspiring, as we witness this important milestone just 10 months after the official launch of Breathe Cities in Nairobi,” Mosira said.

Conclusion

With the new city-owned sensors, Nairobi now has the tools to take control of its air quality. Coupled with political will and global support, the city is poised to lead by example in the fight against urban air pollution. For Nairobi residents, this marks a hopeful step toward a cleaner, healthier future.

Source: Ghetto Radio