Air pollution is a silent crisis affecting millions globally, and Kenya is no exception. The recently published State of Global Air Quality Funding 2025 report paints a stark picture of the challenges Africa faces in tackling air pollution, with sub-Saharan Africa receiving less than 1% of global outdoor air quality funding in 2023. For Kenya, this underfunding is a wake-up call to prioritise clean air as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
The Air Pollution Crisis in Kenya
Kenya’s urban centres, particularly Nairobi, are grappling with worsening air pollution. This is mostly due to rapid urbanisation, increased vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and poor waste management. According to the report, Africa’s urbanisation rate is the fastest in the world, bringing with it traffic congestion and higher electricity demand, which exacerbate air pollution. Toxic air is already claiming lives across the continent, with 1.1 million deaths annually attributed to air pollution, more than tobacco, alcohol, motor vehicle accidents, and unsafe water combined.
In Kenya, air pollution is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health emergency. Exposure to polluted air is linked to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and premature deaths, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The economic costs are equally significant, with lost productivity and increased healthcare expenses straining the country’s resources.
Challenges Kenya Faces
- Severe Underfunding: Sub-Saharan Africa received only $12 million in outdoor air quality funding in 2023, a 91% drop from the previous year. Kenya, like many African nations, struggles to attract international funding for air quality initiatives.
- Debt Burden: High borrowing costs and limited fiscal space make it difficult for Kenya to invest in air quality improvements. The country spends more on debt servicing than on health or education, leaving little room for environmental interventions.
- Lack of Data and Monitoring: Kenya lacks comprehensive air quality monitoring systems, making it difficult to identify pollution sources and develop targeted solutions. Without reliable data, it is challenging to secure funding or implement effective policies.
- Competing Priorities: Other pressing issues, such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, and infrastructure development, often take precedence over air quality, sidelining clean air initiatives.
Opportunities for Kenya
Despite these challenges, the report highlights several opportunities that Kenya can leverage to address air pollution:
- Africa Clean Air Programme: The launch of the Africa Clean Air Programme in 2025 provides a platform for Kenya to align with continent-wide efforts to strengthen air quality standards, monitoring, and investment. This initiative could attract international funding and technical support.
- Integration with Climate Projects: Many climate-focused projects have air quality co-benefits. Kenya can integrate air quality objectives into its climate initiatives, such as renewable energy and sustainable transport projects, to maximise impact.
- Private Sector Engagement: By creating an enabling environment for investment, Kenya can attract private sector funding for clean air projects. Blended finance mechanisms, which combine public and private funding, could help de-risk investments and scale up funding.
- Improved Data Collection: Investing in air quality monitoring systems will strengthen Kenya’s ability to make the case for funding and develop evidence-based policies. Open data platforms and partnerships with international organisations can support this effort.
- Policy and Governance: Establishing clear air quality standards, laws, and regulations will enhance Kenya’s credibility and readiness to attract international funding. A national air quality strategy could serve as a roadmap for action.
What Kenya Can Do
To address its air pollution challenges, Kenya must take proactive steps to secure funding and implement effective solutions. Here are some recommendations:
- Advocate for Equitable Funding: Kenya should actively engage with international donors to highlight its air pollution challenges and advocate for a fair share of air quality funding. The Africa Clean Air Programme provides an opportunity to amplify this advocacy.
- Leverage Existing Climate Projects: Integrate air quality objectives into ongoing climate and development projects to maximize co-benefits. For example, renewable energy projects can reduce emissions while improving air quality.
- Strengthen Technical Capacity: Build local expertise in air quality monitoring, data analysis, and project development to improve access to funding. Training programs and partnerships with international organisations can support this effort.
- Develop a National Air Quality Strategy: Establish a comprehensive strategy that includes clear targets, monitoring systems, and investment plans to address air pollution. This strategy should align with Kenya’s broader development goals.
- Engage the Private Sector: Partner with private investors to fund clean energy, sustainable transport, and waste management projects that improve air quality. Incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies can encourage private sector participation.
Conclusion
Air pollution is not inevitable, it is a problem we know how to solve. For Kenya, the tools and opportunities exist, but what is needed is the commitment to act and the financing to match ambition with reality. Through prioritising clean air as a development goal, Kenya can protect public health, boost economic productivity, and build a more sustainable future.
The State of Global Air Quality Funding 2025 report is a call to action for Kenya to take bold steps in addressing air pollution. With targeted investments, improved governance, and international collaboration, Kenya can turn the tide and ensure clean air becomes a right enjoyed by all.