Nairobi City County has unveiled its first-ever city-owned air quality monitoring network.
The launch, held today, June 11 at Nairobi City Hall, marks a major step in combating air pollution.
Governor Johnson Arthur Sakaja presided over the flagging-off ceremony.
Fifty new city-owned air quality sensors are now operational. These sensors will track pollution hotspots. They will inform policies and protect public health. This will be done through data-driven interventions.
Air pollution caused approximately 2,500 premature deaths in Nairobi in 2019.
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.
This deployment is part of the Breathe Cities Nairobi initiative. The global program launched in September 2024.
It aims to cut air pollution by 30% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
Nairobi is one of 14 participating cities worldwide. The initiative also supports the development of new air quality regulations and an action plan.
Governor Sakaja’s attendance at the event continues to demonstrate his government’s commitment to greatly improving air quality in Nairobi for all its residents and visitors.
Governor Sakaja highlighted the importance of Nairobi City-owned Air Quality Monitoring Network, stating: "This milestone marks a turning point in our commitment to improving air quality management. 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."
According to Dr. Victor Indasi, Breathe Cities Lead, Kenya, “The occasion today is both fulfilling and inspiring, as we witness this important milestone just about 10 months after the official launch of the Breathe Cities initiative in Nairobi.
"The deployment of the Nairobi City-Owned Air Quality Monitoring Network signals a new chapter in our collective efforts to tackle air pollution. We look forward to the effective use of this network to inform both policy and the public, ushering in a new era of data-driven air quality management for our city.”
County
Executive Committee Member Green, Nairobi, Maureen Njeri, affirmed
that the Nairobi City County Government, particularly the Green
Sector, which she leads, is fully committed to effectively utilising
the city-owned Air Quality Monitoring Network.
