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About Breathe Cities Initiative

Breathe Cities Initiative delivered by C40 Cities, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Clean Air Fund, Breathe Cities Nairobi is working to transform Nairobi’s air quality.

The challenge

Air pollution caused 2,500 premature deaths in Nairobi in 2019.

The challenge

Nairobi is growing, but so is its air pollution problem.
With over 5.3 million residents and a projected population of ~8 million by 2035, Nairobi’s air quality challenges are escalating. The city’s PM2.5 levels are 4.2 times higher than WHO recommendations, threatening health, productivity, and quality of life.

Transforming Nairobi’s transport system for cleaner air.

Only 12.8% of Nairobi’s residents own cars, yet traffic from passenger vehicles dominates the city.

Transforming Nairobi’s transport system for cleaner air.

Transport contributes 40% of PM2.5 emissions, with aged vehicles, traffic congestion, and inadequate public transit exacerbating pollution. However, progress is underway—Nairobi is introducing East Africa’s first electric bus rapid transit system to lead the charge in sustainable urban mobility.

Turning waste into wealth.

Nairobi generates 3,000 tonnes of waste daily, but 62% is illegally disposed of.

Transforming Nairobi’s transport system for cleaner air.

Improper waste disposal accounts for 25% of Nairobi’s air pollution. Illegal dumping and burning of waste, combined with an overburdened Dandora landfill, contribute significantly to toxic emissions.

Clean cooking for healthier homes.

Kibera’s indoor PM2.5 levels are 43 times above WHO guidelines.

Clean cooking for healthier homes.

Indoor pollution contributes 15% of PM2.5 emissions, disproportionately affecting low-income households in informal settlements. Efforts like the Kenya National Clean Cooking Strategy aim to provide access to cleaner fuels, reducing household pollution and improving health outcomes.

A future of clean air starts today.

Clean air interventions could save Nairobi $192 million in health costs and reduce 49Mt of CO2e emissions by 2040.

A future of clean air starts today.

Breathe Cities-Nairobi is working with partners, including C40 Cities, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Clean Air Fund, to transform Nairobi’s air quality. From data collection to policy innovation and community engagement, we’re creating sustainable solutions for a healthier Nairobi.

The Problem

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is the largest city in East Africa and home to over 5.3 million residents. By 2035, this population is projected to reach ~8 million, increasing pressure on the city’s infrastructure and environment. As East Africa’s economic and transport hub, Nairobi ranks first regionally in the Global Business Cities Index 2022. It boasts a thriving tech ecosystem, earning it the nickname ‘Silicon Savannah.’

However, this rapid growth has led to serious air pollution challenges, with the city’s PM2.5 concentrations 2019 being 4.2 times higher than WHO-recommended levels.

Pillars

At Breathe Cities-Nairobi, we tackle these challenges with a holistic, multi-pillar approach that prioritises data-driven action, community engagement, and sustainable policies:

Data and Research

Expand the availability of local air quality data through the use of innovative new technologies and research into causes of air pollution to provide local governments with evidence for implementing and enforcing new policies.

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Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Develop a campaign and collaborate with community organisers to build awareness and support for air quality action, especially for communities most affected by air pollution.

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Technical Policy Assistance

Support Nairobi City County to develop and deliver clean air policies by providing technical assistance and capacity building to support policymakers in identifying and implementing solutions.

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Lesson Sharing

As part of the global Breathe Cities initiative, we collaborate with other cities around the world to share successes, solutions, and learnings from Nairobi on a global scale.

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Scope

Vehicular Emissions: Nairobi’s Major Polluter

Road transport contributes 40% of PM2.5 emissions, worsened by an ageing vehicle fleet, weak emission controls, and gridlocked roads. Though only 12.8% of residents own cars, over 70% rely on old, fuel-inefficient matatus.

This combination of outdated vehicles and an inadequate transport network has made Nairobi one of the most congested cities in the world. During peak hours, the city’s population swells from 4.5 million to over 6 million, intensifying gridlock and emissions.

Waste Burning: The Silent Contributor

Illegal waste dumping and burning cause 25% of PM2.5 pollution. Nairobi generates 3,000 tonnes of waste daily, but 62% is disposed of illegally. The Dandora landfill, operating beyond capacity, fuels toxic emissions through methane leaks and spontaneous fires.

Medical waste disposal is also a crisis; 250 health facilities generate 150 tonnes monthly, yet only one legal incinerator exists. Unregulated burning at night worsens air quality.

Industrial Pollution: A Growing Threat

Factories contribute 15% of PM2.5 emissions, especially in metal recycling, cement production, and tanneries. Many operate with outdated, unregulated processes, releasing harmful pollutants.

Stronger emission controls and cleaner industrial practices are essential for a healthier city.

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Breathe Nairobi is part of the global Breathe Cities initiative, working to clean the air in cities around the world.