PS calls for concerted efforts to curb air pollution in Nairobi

Evironment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno launched an air quality monitoring station at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

State Department for Environment, Climate Change And Forestry, Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno has called for collaborative efforts to tackle air pollution in Nairobi.

The PS said addressing air pollution is not only a government mandate but of all stakeholders.

“Addressing air pollution is not solely the responsibility of the government or a handful of institutions. This is a challenge that requires the engagement and participation of all stakeholders,” he said.

Ngeno spoke on Friday when he officially launched an air quality monitoring station at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi.

The station is the second after another one was installed at Fire Station in the Central Business District .

USAID Kenya, Environmental Defense Fund and World Resource Institute through its Clean Air Catalyst programme are supporting initiative.

The stations will relay real-time data on air pollution in the city and inform policies and actions.

“The private sector must play its part by adopting cleaner technologies and reducing emissions from their operations. Civil society organisations have a crucial role in advocating for cleaner air and educating the public on the dangers of pollution. And each of us, as citizens, can contribute by making choices that minimise our own environmental impact,” the PS said.

Ngeno called on Nairobi residents to ensure a city where everyone can breathe freely and live healthy and productive lives.

Nairobi county last week launched Breathe Nairobi Initiative, to address air pollution.

According to UNEP, ambient (outdoor) air pollution was estimated to cause close to 400,000 premature deaths in Africa alone in 2019, while indoor air pollution caused more than one million premature deaths.

“Our country is no exception. We are witnessing the severe health impacts of air pollution. In urban areas like Nairobi, the situation is particularly alarming. Every day, thousands of Kenyans are exposed to air that poses significant risks to their health and well-being,” said Ngeno.

“Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, strokes and lung cancer are becoming more prevalent, especially among our children, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. These diseases are all attributable in part to the quality of the air we breathe. Sadly, the worst air quality is found in informal settlements, where more than 70 per cent of Nairobi residents live," he added.

The PS said understanding and addressing the disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, is critical to the city and country’s future.

He explained that by providing accurate, real-time data on air quality, the monitoring sites will serve as the foundation upon which the city and country can build more effective policies and interventions.

“With reliable data, we will be better positioned to identify pollution hotspots, track pollution trends, and take swift action to reduce harmful emissions," he said.

Ngeno revealed that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry is implementing the Air Quality Regulations of 2014 through the National Environment Management Authority (Nema), which recommend standards for stationary and mobile sources of emissions.

Nema Director General Mamo Boru Mamo said the regulations will be operational in three months.

“We have reviewed the regulations and update them to include vehicle emission testing centres and standards and we are just waiting for the gazettement by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment then it becomes operational,” he said.

Mamo noted that the stations will enable the Nairobi City County to monitor air quality, compile a pollutant emission inventory, model and predict air quality trends, set and enforce air quality standards and put in place the relevant legislative and administrative frameworks and also be able to provide regular on-line and real time air quality reports, much like weather reports of the Kenya Metrological Department. 

Nairobi City County Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri said the launch of the stations is a testament to unwavering commitment to tackling air pollution and protecting ealth which is the also the greatest wealth of the people.

“Nairobi City County has taken a huge stride in air quality monitoring, and I am proud to announce that we have sensors that have been strategically installed across the City,” said Muchiri.

“The data collected will not just be about monitoring, but about action. The insights gained from these monitoring stations and sensors will form the basis for development of sustainable, long-term solutions to combat air pollution,” he added.

He argued that it is through data, monitoring stations, and the willingness to make meaningful changes that they will protect the health of city residents and future generations.

“Consequently, this data-driven approach will guide policies and initiatives, including future development of Clean Air Zones which will form the basis on which to better manage air quality in high-risk areas. By targeting specific zones, our objective is to safeguard the most vulnerable communities and reduce harmful emissions where they are most concentrated,” he said.

Peter Nganga from USAID Kenya warned that air pollution is the fourth largest risk factor to early death globally and second in Africa after malnutrition.

"In Nairobi, the economic cost of air pollution is estimated to be nearly 2 per cent of the city's GDP, impacting productivity, increasing healthcare cost and affecting the city's population growth for sustainable growth. These figures are not just statistics but daily realities and challenges faced by millions of people and underscoring the urgent need for action to safeguard those health and economic prosperity," he said.