A dumping site in Nairobi. Photo/Newsflash
By Daisy Okiring
Did you know that air pollution is responsible for at least 2,500 deaths every year in Nairobi?
Governor Johnson Sakaja revealed this staggering statistic, highlighting a crisis that is not only claiming lives but also straining the county’s health budget.
Projections suggest that decisive action could save up to Sh24.8 billion over the next 15 years.
“Pollution takes at least 2,500 lives a year. It is also a main cause of respiratory infections and various other health issues that deny our people the flourishing lives they deserve,” Sakaja stated at a recent global urban centers conference on climate change.
As Nairobians navigate the vibrant streets filled with energy and ambition, a silent threat looms overhead—polluted air that jeopardizes their health and futures.
Also read: Babu at crossroads as Raila endorses Sakaja for Nairobi 2027 governorship race
The city is currently updating its greenhouse gas inventory, a critical step in modernizing emission tracing to make the county’s climate action plan more effective. “Once complete, we will have a far better understanding of the city’s emission sources and the progress made toward meeting our reduction targets,” Sakaja added.
With over 5,000 premature deaths linked to air pollution-related illnesses, the urgency to act has never been greater. As the city remains heavily congested and reliant on motor transport, pollution levels will continue to rise if not addressed. The time for action is now, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Nairobi prioritizes initiatives to combat the toxic haze enveloping its skyline, especially for its youth who are at the forefront of this struggle.
Growing concern
The Breathe Nairobi initiative, launched in September 2024, aims to combat this pressing issue by reducing air pollution and carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. “Nairobi’s air quality is a matter of life and death,” stated Governor Johnson Sakaja during the launch.
“The Breathe Nairobi initiative will provide the much-needed resources to implement real, lasting changes, and ensure that all residents can breathe cleaner air.” This initiative is a collaboration among the Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, emphasizing a global commitment to cleaner air.
According to the State of the Global Air 2020 report, air pollution remains the most significant environmental threat to health in Kenya, affecting approximately 3.2 million individuals. Despite Nairobi’s position as a global environmental hub, the city’s air quality continues to decline, particularly in informal settlements where pollution levels are often the highest.
Addressing the crisis
In light of these challenges, the Breathe Nairobi initiative aims to strengthen the city’s capacity to monitor and manage air quality. “We are committed to collaborating with partners and stakeholders to restore the true meaning of ‘Hakuna Matata’ – a life free from the burdens of air pollution, where every breath is clean and healthy,” Dr. Victor Indasi, Breathe Cities Lead for Kenya, stated during the launch.
The initiative focuses on three core pillars: data and research, stakeholder engagement, and technical policy assistance. Participants have already begun implementing measures to improve air quality, including the enactment of the Nairobi Air Quality Act in 2022, which mandates real-time air quality monitoring accessible to the public.
One of the primary focuses of the initiative is strengthening the city’s capacity to monitor and manage air quality. Governor Sakaja emphasized the importance of real-time air quality monitoring, stating, “We are updating our greenhouse gas inventory through our fully fledged climate change unit. This will help us understand the city’s emission sources and guide new strategies.” By modernizing emission tracing, Nairobi aims to create a more effective climate action plan.
Moreover, the city is working to implement regulatory reforms that will enforce stricter standards on emissions from vehicles and industries, which are significant contributors to air pollution.
Nairobi stands at a crossroads. The urgency to address air pollution and its associated health risks is palpable. As Governor Sakaja aptly put it, “Nairobi’s air quality is a matter of life and death.” Without immediate and comprehensive action, the city risks jeopardizing the health and potential of its youth, a resource that is too valuable to lose.
As stakeholders rally around the Breathe Nairobi initiative, the hope is that collaborative efforts will transform the city into a healthier, more sustainable urban environment. The onus is now on the community, policymakers, and the corporate sector to join forces in this critical fight for cleaner air and a brighter future for Nairobi’s youth.
