Nairobi Launches New Air Quality Plan and Real-Time Pollution Data Portal
The twin launches mark a significant milestone in the city’s environmental protection efforts, giving policymakers, researchers, and residents access to real-time air quality data to support evidence-based decision-making.
Speaking during the launch, Maureen Njeri, the County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi, said the initiatives demonstrate the county’s renewed resolve to make air quality management a central pillar of Nairobi’s development agenda.
“With an actionable plan and an open data system, we are ensuring that every decision, from transport to waste management, is guided by accurate information and a shared responsibility to protect the health of Nairobians,” she said.
The urgency of the problem is stark. Air pollution was linked to approximately 2,500 premature deaths in Nairobi in 2019, underscoring its deadly impact on public health. In 2023, average levels of fine particulate matter — known as PM2.5 — were recorded at four times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization, exposing millions of residents to serious health risks.
Officials say the new plan will guide interventions in transport, energy, waste management, and industrial regulation as the city accelerates efforts toward a cleaner and healthier urban environment.