The poor quality of air in Nairobi is a matter that needs urgent action by policy makers in Kenya.
These two photos show the exact same view before and after the rains. The dense layer of smog over the eastern side of the city blocks out the view of Mt. Kilimambogo.
THREAD.
Nairobi has dangerously high level of toxic particles in the air. As per sensors.africa air quality tracker, Nairobi has particle levels that are 70% higher than the WHO recommended safe levels.
This is a damning statistic for a city that host @UNEP
The sensors.africa map shows how air quality decreases in areas with fewer trees and locations close to major highways. These include areas like Mlolongo, Pipeline, Rongai, Kikuyu and Ruiru.
This can be attributed to poor urban planning & unregulated vehicle emissions.
The dangerously high levels of toxic particles in Nairobi (which accounts for most of Kenya's air pollution) can be equated to an invisible pandemic with 19,112 annual deaths and 6,672 child deaths in the country attributed to air pollution.
Covid has killed 2500 in a year.
The strain on the public health system is also evident with increased cases of respiratory infections. Indeed a number of people with chronic respiratory illnesses have noticed reduced incidences of illness since they started wearing masks.
The need to have sustainable urban planning and regulate emissions from public service vehicles has never been more urgent. Relevant government bodies like NEMA, NTSA and the Nairobi County government need to step up to save Nairobi from this unfolding disaster.
End.
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