Nairobi is stepping up efforts to tackle air pollution with the launch of its second Air Quality Action Plan (2025–29).
The plan aims to ensure cleaner air for residents by promoting sustainable practices, reducing emissions, and strengthening enforcement of environmental regulations across the city. It builds on lessons from the previous plan while introducing new tools for data-driven decision-making.
Toxic air has been a serious health risk in Nairobi. In 2019, air pollution was linked to about 2,500 early deaths.
The new strategy sets clear targets to cut emissions from major polluters, including vehicles, industrial sites, waste disposal, construction, and urban farming.
“Under Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration, Nairobi chooses facts over guesswork, action over delay and dignity over neglect. We back this choice not with words alone, but with science, systems and strong action. For the first time, Nairobi’s environmental decisions will be driven by data,” said Green Nairobi executive Maureen Njeri.
The city’s vehicle emissions remain a top priority. In 2021, Nairobi had 2.6 million registered vehicles, which were responsible for roughly 40 per cent of fine particle (PM2.5) pollution. PM2.5 refers to tiny airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, known to cause severe health problems.
Clean Air Fund director Mike Saxton highlighted progress in promoting cleaner transport and pledged support for implementing the new plan through the Breathe Cities Initiative.
Meanwhile, the county is also improving urban planning under the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan (2014–2030) with support from national and private partners.
Waste management continues to be a major challenge. Nairobi generates between 3,000 and 4,000 tonnes of solid waste each day, yet only 10 per cent is recycled. The rest is often dumped illegally, ends up in rivers, or is openly burned, releasing harmful smoke and chemicals into the air.
The Air Quality Action Plan outlines measures to tackle emissions from vehicles and waste, expand sustainable transport, improve air in densely populated low-income areas, and strengthen compliance with national and county laws.
It also focuses on raising public awareness, supporting research on health effects, and enhancing monitoring and enforcement.
A new data management system, backed by the Clean Air Fund’s Breathe Cities Initiative, will allow the county to track progress and make informed decisions.
The plan builds on the 2019–23 Air Quality Action Plan, which included the installation of two reference monitors at Mama Lucy Hospital and Nairobi Fire Station, along with 50 low-cost sensors across the city.
An Air Quality Management Unit has been set up within the county government, and air quality measures have been incorporated into the Nairobi City County Integrated Development Plan (2023–27).
However, the county still faces hurdles such as limited funding, reduced national treasury allocations, and the need to strengthen environmental officers’ skills and capacity.
