Nairobi, 13th September 2024.
Nairobi City County has made great strides in the air quality sphere by launching the installation of two advanced reference grade air quality monitoring sites situated at the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and Fire station along Tom Mboya street, against the backdrop of the fifth annual World Clean Air Day celebrations at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital grounds.
The monitoring sites will support Nairobi County to better understand the temporal and spatial variations of pollutants from both waste and vehicles which contribute heavily in air pollution.
Speaking during the launch, Nairobi County Deputy Governor H.E Njoroge Muchiri stated that the air quality monitoring sites installation was a major step in ensuring that the county is moving in the right direction. He emphasized that maintaining good quality of air was a collective responsibility for everyone, hence need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders working closely to a cleaner air.
“We need to also drive correct behaviour in ensuring that we improve the quality of air we breathe. This calls for immense sensitization of community for them to understand the causes of air pollutants and the importance of clean air, for them to appreciate the benefits.” Said the Deputy Governor.
H.E Njoroge Muchiri said that the county has invested heavily into public transport infrastructure by creating a substantial space for non motorized and other forms of green transportation such as bicycles in an effort to reducing carbon emission and in turn addressing air pollution.
The Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno said that the establishment of the regulatory air quality monitoring sites represented a crucial step in Government’s mission to improve the quality of life for the people of Nairobi.
“By providing accurate real-time data on air quality, the monitoring sites will serve as the foundation upon which we 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.” Said the PS.
According to the County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi Ms. Maureen Njeri, the launch signified Nairobi County’s commitment to the vision and goals set out in the Nairobi City County Air Quality Act 2022. She noted that the new monitors will allow the City County to strengthen policy implementation, inform public health interventions, promote community awareness and engagement as well as compliance promotion initiatives which will help in the development of targeted programs for the key sectors contributing to Nairobi’s emission such as transport, manufacturing and solid waste management.
Ms. Njeri appreciated World Resources Institute’s – Clean Air Catalyst program, US Agency for International Development and all other air quality partners for their unwavering partnership and support. She also commended County environment team, adding that their dedication to environmental sustainability had driven the success of the initiative.
The County Health Sector Executive Committee Member Ms. Suzanne Silantoi welcomed the move to have an air quality monitoring site at the hospital facility, terming it a good opportunity for the Health sector and the Environment department to collaborate, since the effects of pollution caused in the City is dealt with at the hospitals, attending to people suffering from the effects of air pollution like the upper respiratory disease which is common in all Nairobi’s health Centres.
Mr. Peter Ng’ang’a from US Agency for International Development Kenya and East Africa Environment Office, in a speech he read on behalf of the Office Director pointed out that clean air was a fundamental right, thus the air quality monitoring launch was a pivotal moment and an important step towards the fight against air pollution and ensuring clean air for all residents of Nairobi. He went on to add that the monitoring sites will provide real-time air quality data, empowering Nairobi residents, policy makers and community leaders to make informed decisions and take effective action to protect public health.
Dr. George Mwaniki, the Country Representative, World Resources Institute, mentioned that Clean Air Catalyst had identified Nairobi’s transport sector as a major source of air pollution that needs urgent action, noting that 40% of emissions comes from the transport sector. Dr. Mwaniki also stated that the data from Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital shows that about 30 to 33 % of all the medical care seeking individuals, was due to upper respiratory disease hence the reason for installing an air quality monitoring equipment at the facility. He however commended Nairobi County for dedicating a budget for air quality management, which he said will address such issues.
Other speakers including; Director General, NEMA Mr. Mamo Boru, County Chief Officer Environment Mr. Geoffrey Mosiria, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Chair, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital CEO Mr. Martin Wafula, and Ms. Leonida Kerubo University of Nairobi Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology, all emphasized on the need for a collaborative engagements and participation of stakeholders in the fight against air pollution.
The event was attended by County Environment staff, various partners and Air Quality Working group members.
Ends/..