Nairobi County has taken a step in the fight against air pollution with the launch of its first-ever city-owned air quality monitoring network.
The unveiling took place on Wednesday, June 11, at Nairobi City Hall, where Governor Johnson Arthur Sakaja officially flagged off the initiative.
As part of the project, the county has deployed 50 air quality sensors across various parts of the city. These high-tech devices will track pollution hotspots and provide real-time data to help shape effective policies that protect public health and improve the city’s air quality.
County officials plan to use the data to guide targeted, science-based interventions, ensuring cleaner air for Nairobi’s growing population.
The initiative is part of the Breathe Cities Nairobi program, a global effort launched in September 2024. Nairobi is one of 14 cities worldwide participating in the program, which aims to cut air pollution by 30% by 2030, using 2019 levels as the baseline.
Beyond installing sensors, the program supports Nairobi in developing new air quality regulations and a comprehensive action plan to tackle pollution with long-term impact.
Governor Sakaja acknowledged the importance of this development in his remarks during the launch.
“This milestone marks a turning point in our commitment to improving air quality management,” he said. “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.”
Dr. Victor Indasi, Kenya Lead for Breathe Cities, praised the achievement, calling it a significant step forward.
“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,” he said.
