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28 November 2025

Press Release Nairobi

Nairobi City County Launches New Air Quality Action Plan and First-of-its-Kind Public Data Portal to Accelerate Action for Clean Air

County announces strategic roadmap supported by Breathe Cities to improve air quality and make air quality data publicly available. For the first time, city leaders and residents will have access to hyper-local data about air pollution levels in the places they live and work.

Nairobi today announced two major steps in its fight against air pollution: the new Nairobi City County Air Quality Action Plan (2025–2029) and Kenya’s first city-owned air quality data management system and public portal. Supported by the Breathe Cities initiative, these tools will empower policymakers and residents with real-time data to guide evidence-based action that helps deliver a cleaner air future for Nairobians.

Air pollution was linked to approximately 2,500 premature deaths in Nairobi in 2019 – a stark reminder of its deadly impact. In 2023, average levels of harmful fine particles (PM2.5) in the city’s air were four times higher than what the World Health Organization recommends, signaling that something must be done to protect the city’s inhabitants, especially the most vulnerable.

To accelerate progress, Nairobi joined the Breathe Cities initiative in 2023. This global initiative, delivered by the Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, supports cities to clean their air, cut carbon emissions and enhance public health.

Earlier this year, Breathe Cities supported Nairobi to install a first-of-its-kind network of 50 city-owned air quality sensors across schools, health care facilities, and other key locations providing the foundation for today’s new data portal.

Today, Nairobi builds on this progress with:

The Nairobi City County Air Quality Action Plan (2025–2029), a strategic roadmap for improving air quality over the next five years. The plan will create a cleaner Nairobi for all, through targeted actions, measurable goals and coordinated interventions across key sectors such as transport, industry and waste management.

An innovative air quality data management system, complemented by an open public portal. Supported by Breathe Cities and operated by Nairobi City County, this platform opens access to hyper-local data from the 50 sensors across the city for all: leaders, researchers, civil society organisations and residents alike. By providing transparent data on the levels of air pollution where people live and work, this portal will encourage innovative solutions and foster community engagement on Nairobi’s path to cleaner air.

Highlights

Nairobi has launched its new Air Quality Action Plan (2025–2029) alongside Kenya’s first city-owned air quality data management system and public portal, marking two major milestones in the city’s fight against air pollution.

For the first time, policymakers and residents will have access to hyper-local, real-time air quality data from a network of 50 sensors installed across schools, health facilities and key locations throughout the city.

City leaders emphasise that these initiatives will empower Nairobi to take bold, evidence-based action to reduce pollution, safeguard public health and establish the city as a model green capital for Africa.

The launch of these two milestones marks a defining moment in Nairobi’s journey toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city. Through strong policies and a transparent data system, we are empowering our city to take bold, evidence-based action to reduce air pollution and safeguard the well-being of our residents. This reflects our commitment to making Nairobi a model green city for Africa.

Sakaja Arthur Johnson

Governor of Nairobi

“These initiatives demonstrate our resolve to make air quality management a central part of Nairobi’s development agenda. With an actionable plan and an open data system, we are ensuring that every decision, from transport to waste management, is guided by accurate information and a shared responsibility to protect the health of Nairobians,” said Ms. Maureen Njeri, County Executive Committee Member Green Nairobi.

“For the first time, Nairobi City Government and city residents can access real-time, local air quality data about the air they’re breathing, enabling them to take targeted action to protect public health. This progress demonstrates how bold leadership and collaboration can drive rapid progress towards cleaner air and a healthier future,” said Dr. Victor Indasi, Breathe Cities Lead for Nairobi.

The landmark steps were developed through a highly consultative process involving a wide range of stakeholders including civil society representatives and community groups, academic institutions and technical experts, all working collaboratively to ensure the initiatives are based in evidence, benefit Nairobi’s residents and respond to the city’s unique urban challenges.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Name: Lawrence Nzuve.
Position: Head of Communications, Environmental Compliance Institute.
Contact Information: +254 727 364905
Email Address: [email protected]