Nairobi, 11th September 2024
Nairobi City County has officially launched a first of its kind Breathe Nairobi Initiative, making a crucial step in tacking air pollution that impacts health and wellbeing of millions of people in the city.
“This moment indeed marks the culmination of extensive efforts and commitment put in place by the County and partners in making Nairobi a greener city and of course in our fight in reducing emissions and ensuring a clean air.” Observed Ms. Maureen Njeri, the Green Nairobi Executive Committee Member, while delivering her keynote remarks during the launch of the program.
Ms. Njeri highlighted a number of interventions by the County in the fight for clean air, amongst them the progress made in transitioning to clean energy, adding that currently the County is running a program in the markets and other facilities to see how energy utilization currently is and measures to ensure energy efficiency is achieved by employing clean energy technologies that will enable cut the cost of energy in market operations.
The Green Nairobi boss also cited City Hall building as having been identified as a green building and considered for certification as a green building, making it a step towards commitment that the County has in terms of implementing initiatives for air quality as well as climate change.
“Nairobi City County Governor H.E Sakaja Johnson actually does sit as a vice chair of the steering committee for C40 Cities. That just goes to show a commitment that Nairobi has really picked up over time in terms of our fight for matters climate change and matters air quality.” She added.
Ms. Njeri expressed Nairobi County’s profound gratitude to the Clean Air Fund and other partners for consultative and collaborative efforts throughout the Breathe Nairobi Initiative process.
Mr. Ibrahim Auma, the CECM Mobility and Works while acknowledging that the transport sector plays a significant role in shaping the air quality in the city, stated that his Sector was ready to contribute to the ambitious Nairobi Initiative through several key initiatives such as promoting sustainable and low emission transport, enhancing public transportation systems, enhancing non-motorized transport, enforcing emission standards and vehicle inspections and rising public awareness.
The County Chief Officer for Environment Mr. Geoffrey Mosiria noted that the program represented a transformative opportunity to bolster the county’s existing work through introduction if innovative solutions, enhancing community engagement and driving policy actions that can deliver tangible long-lasting improvements to the air quality
“The goals of this initiative are aligned with the County’s Air Quality Act of 2022 and the Climate Action Plan (2020 – 2050). We are committed to curbing air pollution, reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions, and promoting sustainable urban practices that promote clean air. Cleaner air is a critical aspect of achieving these goals, as Air Pollution and Climate Change are linked.” Said Mr. Mosiria.
Hon. Silas Matara, the Chair Environment who graced the ceremony thanked the partners and mentioned that the county seeks more partnerships in the development of regulations that will enable operationalization of the Nairobi City County Air Quality Act. He also assured that soon the County Assembly will be passing the Climate Change Bill.
The Clean Air Fund Operations and Finance Director Mr. Mike Saxton stated that Breathe Nairobi is not just a project but a commitment to the residents of Nairobi towards clean air.” I would like to thank Nairobi Governor H.E Sakaja for support and partnership. Under his leadership Breathe Nairobi launches today. I’m confident that through our collective efforts, the program will make a significant impact in air quality in this great City”. He said.
C40 Cities Seneca Naidoo observed that pollution has become a pressing issue on a global scale and as such receiving a lot of attention, thus addressing and prioritizing efforts to combat air pollution in urban is imperative.
Naidoo Further said there was need to focus efforts on air quality work as global overpopulation is projected to rise by 59% to 66% in 2030 and 2050 respectively. “C40 Cities is thrilled to be partnering with the Clean Air Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropists to support the City in air pollution control.” She added.
Nairobi City prides itself in the significant strides made in matters air quality. These includes the enactment of the Nairobi Air Quality Act in 2022, embedding real time air quality monitoring in the county website as well as carrying our air quality source awareness assessment. In addition, the county is finalizing its climate change legal framework, updated the existing Greenhouse Inventory and hired a record number of technical environment staff. The city is committed to reducing emissions by 51% by 2035 through multifaceted approaches such as urban greening, sustainable municipal solid waste management, adoption of clean transport alternatives and green energy solutions as part of its broader goal of creating a healthier, more sustainable urban environment.
The event was attended by the County Environment Officers amongst them Mr. John Paul Malawi Director Environment), Mr. Maurice Kavai (Deputy Director Climate Change and Air Quality Monitoring), Ms. Grace Ojiayo (Assistant Director Climate Change and Air Quality Monitoring), Mr. Kevin Oloitiptip (Deputy Director Environment Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement) several partners including representative from Clean Air Fund,C40 Cities, NEMA, World Resources Institute, Airqo, civil society, scholars.
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