Nairobi unveils new air quality system to tackle pollution

Nairobi County has unveiled an ambitious Air Quality Action Plan (2025–2029) alongside a new Air Quality Data Management System and Public Portal, marking a major step toward a cleaner and healthier city.

The initiative, launched on Friday in partnership with the Clean Air Fund through the Breathe Cities Initiative, aims to reduce harmful emissions, improve public health, and promote sustainable urban development.

Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Environment, Ibrahim Otieno, said the plan prioritises better public transport, safe spaces for walking and cycling, and a shift toward a circular economy that emphasises recycling while clamping down on illegal dumping and open burning.

“This is not a plan to launch and leave on the shelves. It is a call to action,” Otieno said.

“We must implement the interventions outlined to achieve the goals of this plan.”

The strategy also promotes clean, renewable energy, energy-efficient building standards, and responsible waste management.

Otieno reiterated that success will depend on collaboration:

“If we don’t implement the targeted actions, this becomes just another document. This plan must be acted on.”

Air pollution remains a deadly threat in Nairobi.

In 2019 alone, an estimated 2,500 premature deaths were linked to toxic air.

Children are especially vulnerable, with exposure in early life contributing to reduced lung function and chronic diseases in adulthood.

County data shows that full implementation of Nairobi’s Climate Action Plan could prevent up to 887 premature deaths by 2050—a 33% reduction in air-pollution-related mortality.

To support this effort, new air-quality sensors will map pollution hotspots across the city, enabling data-driven interventions that protect public health and inform future policy.

In 2023, fine particle levels (PM2.5) were four times higher than WHO recommendations. The new network provides real-time data. This will enable swift, evidence-based action.