Nairobi, 19th October 2024
Following the recent launch of Breathe Nairobi initiative and the installation of advanced air quality monitoring sites to ensure clean and healthy air in the City of Nairobi, the County in partnership with Clean Air Fund and other stakeholders embarked on training the environment officers to empower them to develop air quality management plan for the County.
A one week training for the environment officers conducted at the University of Nairobi, was sponsored by the Clean Air Fund and facilitated by GEOHealth Hub East Africa and the University of Nairobi.
The 40 hour sessions saw the officers trained on the scientific, technical and practical aspects of air quality monitoring, equipping them with necessary knowledge, skills and practical understanding to monitor, analyze, interpret and manage air quality effectively.
Nairobi City County prides itself in having two advanced reference grade air quality monitoring sites situated at the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and Fire Station along Moi avenue, as well as having other 37 low cost air quality sensors across the City. Plans are underway to plug in more sensors with a focus to reducing the impacts of air pollution.
The County Chief Officer for Environment Mr. Geoffrey Mosiria observed that the skills gained during the training will undoubtedly strengthen efforts in tackling air pollution in Nairobi.
“Air quality remains a critical issue not just globally, but right here in our City. As we all know, the health and wellbeing of our residents is directly linked to the quality of the air we breathe. For this reason, Nairobi County is in the process of formulating air quality regulations aimed at supporting compliance and enforcement of air quality management across the City.” Said Mr. Mosiria.
In addition, Mr. Mosiria said that the County will collaborate with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure compliance of environmental regulations and effective implementation of air quality management strategies across Nairobi. “This partnership combined with the technical knowledge you have gathered here will enable us to effectively monitor, report, and take action on air quality issues.” He stated.
According to Mr. John Paul Malawi, the County Director for Environment, Nairobi has done so much in matters Climate Change as compared to many other Cities. He assured that through collaborative efforts with Government agencies and other partners, the County aspires to put more measures to achieve clean air. “Nairobi City County has in place a robust Air Quality framework such as Air Quality Act 2022 and the Climate Action Plan (2020-2050), with an objective to improve air quality. We will continue working together with partners in order to achieve our goals.” He added.
Mr. Malawi lauded Clean Air Fund for sponsoring the training and GEOHealth – Hub and the University of Nairobi for their invaluable contribution through imparting knowledge and technical guidance to the officers which is essential in safeguarding both environment and public health.
The County Deputy Director Climate Change and Air Quality Monitoring Mr. Maurice Kavai pointed out that the officers trained on Air Quality Monitoring will act as Trainers of Trainers in cascading down the information gained to the rest of the environment officers in the Wards and Sub-Counties.
Mr. Victor Indasi explained that the training was a key component of Breathe Nairobi program. He expressed confidence that the training will improve on the air quality management in the County.
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