Nairobi, Kenya: On 11th June, 2025, Nairobi City County took a historic step toward cleaner air with the launch of its first-ever city-owned air quality monitoring network. The vibrant ceremony, held at Nairobi City Hall, was led by Governor Johnson Arthur Sakaja, signaling the county’s bold commitment to tackling air pollution head-on.
This pioneering initiative introduces 50 cutting-edge air quality sensors strategically deployed across the city. These sensors will track pollution hotspots in real time, providing critical data to shape policies and drive interventions that safeguard public health. In 2019, air pollution was linked to approximately 2,500 premature deaths in Nairobi, with fine particle levels (PM2.5) in 2023 exceeding World Health Organization guidelines by fourfold. The new network empowers the city with precise, evidence-based insights to address this crisis swiftly.
The launch aligns with the Breathe Cities Nairobi initiative, a global program kicked off in September 2024, aiming to slash air pollution by 30% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Nairobi joins 14 cities worldwide in this ambitious effort, which also includes crafting new air quality regulations and a comprehensive action plan.
Governor Sakaja emphasized the network’s significance, stating, “This is a game-changer for Nairobi. Our city-owned air quality monitoring network equips us to make informed decisions, ensuring cleaner, safer air for every resident. This is an investment in our people and our future.”
Dr. Victor Indasi, Breathe Cities Lead for Kenya, echoed this sentiment: “Just 10 months after launching Breathe Cities in Nairobi, today’s milestone is a powerful step forward. This network will transform how we tackle air pollution, guiding both policy and public awareness with real-time data.”
Maureen Njeri, County Executive Committee Member for Nairobi’s Green Sector, reaffirmed the county’s dedication to leveraging the network effectively. “Our Green Sector is fully committed to using this technology to drive meaningful change and improve air quality for all who live in and visit Nairobi,” she said.
With this launch, Nairobi sets a new standard for urban air quality management in Africa, paving the way for healthier communities and a sustainable future.
