The Nairobi City County Government has launched an air quality monitoring network to track pollution and safeguard public health.
The 50 air quality sensors, deployed under the “Breathe Nairobi” program, will provide real-time data on pollution levels across the capital to help the county government identify pollution hotspots.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday, Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi, Maureen Njeri, said the sensors will also detect potential leaks from industrial activities and identify high-risk zones where residents are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality.
“This program is about equipping our city with the power of knowledge, the precise, real-time knowledge we need to safeguard the health of every single resident and to meticulously shape a truly sustainable future for generations to come,” she stated.
She added that the project includes machine learning-enabled calibration tools to ensure data accuracy.
County officers are currently undergoing training to manage and interpret the data, which will inform enforcement and policy decisions.
The program, supported by the Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, is part of the county’s broader strategy to combat urban air pollution.
The data collected will feed into a soon-to-be-launched public portal, giving residents live access to air quality information in their neighbourhoods.
According to a 2024 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), an estimated 268 deaths in Nairobi each year are linked to air pollution.
Additionally, 10% of the city’s health budget is currently allocated to treating illnesses caused by poor air quality, a figure county officials say underscores the urgent need for air quality management.
KBC Digital
