County Partners with UNEP for Air Quality Monitoring Initiative

Nairobi to Launch Air Quality Data Management System
The Nairobi City County Government has announced plans to establish a city-owned air quality data management system, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kenya and the East African region. The system will feature an open public data portal and a city-wide air quality monitoring network aimed at reducing pollution and safeguarding public health.
The announcement follows a successful validation meeting that endorsed the Breathe Nairobi Strategy, which outlines the priorities and implementation plan for improving air quality across the city. Key areas of focus include deploying a comprehensive low-cost sensor monitoring network, developing and enacting Nairobi Air Quality Regulations, conducting capacity-building training, and advancing data-driven research.
Addressing the meeting, City County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi, Ibrahim Auma, highlighted the severe impacts of air pollution on health, the environment, society, and the economy. The Breathe Nairobi initiative is a timely and unique project, positioning Nairobi City County as a leader in implementing sustainable air quality management, Auma said.
He emphasized the county’s commitment to robust community engagement and working closely with residents to improve urban air quality. Auma also noted that Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration is dedicated to developing and enacting Air Quality Regulations and adopting a county-wide Air Quality Action Plan. These frameworks will integrate air quality programs into city governance and financial systems, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The county acknowledged support from multiple partners, including the World Resources Institute, UNEP, Stockholm Environment Institute-Africa, Environmental Compliance Institute, Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, for their role in helping Nairobi advance its air quality initiatives.
The Breathe Nairobi Strategy marks a significant step toward positioning the city as a regional leader in air quality management, combining innovative technology, policy frameworks, and community engagement to create a healthier urban environment for all residents.