Vehicular emissions were the focus of a workshop held on 27 March 2025, where transport operators, policymakers, and researchers gathered at the Meridian Hotel in Nairobi to discuss the impact of these emissions on air quality. The training workshop, organised under the Breathe Nairobi initiative by the National Transport Alliance (NAPTA), aimed to raise awareness among public transport operators and explore strategies to reduce pollution from Nairobi’s roads.

Nairobi’s Air Pollution Crisis Driven by Vehicular Emissions

Nairobi’s air pollution crisis is largely driven by its ageing vehicle fleet and poorly regulated emissions. Road transport accounts for 40% of the city’s PM2.5 concentrations, a major contributor to respiratory illnesses. Despite hosting only about 9% of Kenya’s population, Nairobi is home to over a third of the country’s three million vehicles. Yet, only 12.8% of residents own private cars. Most people rely on matatus and boda bodas—many of which are second-hand imports with low fuel efficiency. During rush hour, the city’s population swells from 4.5 million to over six million, worsening congestion and pollution.

Experts Highlight the Public Health Impact of Vehicular Emissions

During the workshop, transport operators shared their experiences and concerns. John Mwangi, a matatu driver, said,

“We spend hours in traffic, and you can literally see the black smoke from some vehicles. But many of us don’t realise the damage it does to our own health.”

Experts highlighted the connection between air pollution and public health, calling for action. Ms Eunice Karimi from the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Nairobi explained,

“We cannot separate transport emissions from health. Every breath we take in this city is affected by the choices we make on our roads.”

Legal experts also outlined existing policies on air pollution and their enforcement gaps. Ms Mary Mukoma, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, noted,

“The policies are there, but compliance is low. We need better enforcement and incentives for cleaner transport.”

The discussions underscored the need for action. Participants committed to improving vehicle maintenance, exploring alternative energy sources such as electric mobility, and advocating for cleaner air within their communities. Yet, challenges remain, including financial constraints and resistance to change within the matatu sector.

Mr Charles Aholi, NAPTA’s CEO, pointed out,

“Operators need support, not just regulations. If we want a shift towards cleaner transport, we need incentives and financing options for fleet renewal.”

Recommendations for Improving Air Quality and Transport Efficiency

Recommendations from the workshop included expanding air pollution awareness campaigns, increasing the number of emission testing centres, and ensuring that enforcement is free from corruption. Some participants called for incentives for well-maintained vehicles, such as lower county permit fees, while others urged the government to subsidise electric vehicle imports and encourage local assembly.

The workshop was a step towards tackling air pollution in Nairobi. Continued engagement and support for public transport operators will be crucial in reducing emissions and improving air quality. As the conversation continues, initiatives like Breathe Cities play a vital role in driving change for a healthier urban environment.