Nairobi, 27th November, 2025.
Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi, Ms. Maureen Njeri has indicated the urgent need to position Nairobi as a regional leader in air quality management.
Ms. Njeri outlined the County’s plan to establish a hub that will host the Nairobi City Air Quality Data Management System, a modern environmental laboratory, and a comprehensive source apportionment framework to support evidence-based budgeting and investment.
“We must move beyond discussion to demonstration. Our data systems, laboratories and policy tools must work together to guide how we invest and protect public health. She said.
The Green Nairobi Executive Committee Member spoke yesterday at Uhuru Park where she received a courtesy call from Clean Air Fund Director, Mr. Mike Saxton, ahead of the planned official launch of two major milestones by the County this Friday: The Nairobi Air Quality Action Plan, and The Nairobi City Air Quality Data Management System.
The two platforms will strengthen policy decisions, promote transparency and accountability, and enable residents, researchers, and policymakers to track progress in real time.
Mr. Saxton pointed out that achieving the Breathe Nairobi targets particularly the PM2.5, reduction goal must be anchored in clear, practical and quantifiable actions.
“Targets must translate into action. Communication and public awareness are not optional; they are central to achieving real air quality improvements.” He noted.
At the same time, the County Director for Environment, Mr. J. P. Malawi, made a presentation on Nairobi’s roadmap for transitioning the Breathe Nairobi project from planning to full operationalization. Focus areas included enforcing air quality regulations, rolling out the action plan, sustaining the sensor network through training and maintenance, integrating efforts across transport, planning and health sectors, and deepening community engagement through targeted awareness campaigns.
In addition, the Deputy Director for Climate Change and Air Quality Monitoring, Mr. Maurice Kavai, stressed the need to strengthen Nairobi’s data systems. He highlighted priorities such as continuous research, updating the air quality data inventory, advancing air quality modelling for health sector guidance, conducting regular source apportionment studies, monitoring transboundary emissions, and enhancing emission testing and reporting mechanisms.
Dr. Victor Indasi, Director of the Nairobi Clean Air Fund, commended the County for the steady progress under the Breathe Nairobi project. He assured of the Fund’s continued partnership, noting that Nairobi is setting the pace on locally driven clean air solutions and demonstrating leadership that is worth celebrating.
Also in attendance were Assistant Directors and other Officers from the Environment Department and the Climate Change Unit who actively contributed to the discussions.
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