Nakuru: County governments have been urged to install air quality monitoring gadgets to provide timely data for tackling rising air pollution. The Director of Research and Extension at Egerton University, Professor George Owuor, advised devolved units to place specialized devices in various localities using high-resolution artificial intelligence. This data would be accessible to the public via a smartphone app and digital dashboards.
According to Kenya News Agency, Professor Owuor spoke at Egerton University’s Njoro Main Campus during a four-day workshop aimed at establishing clear air quality thresholds for advisories and warnings. He urged stronger collaboration among universities, county governments, industries, communities, and development partners for sustainable solutions to improve air quality. The workshop, sponsored by RESPIRA, explored creating an integrated, sustainable, and user-friendly air quality forecasting and early-warning system.
Professor Owuor emphasized the importance of Egerton University partnering with RESPIRA to conduct research assessing air quality across devolved units. The research aims to map out pollution hotspots, including heavy traffic routes and industrial zones. The workshop gathered various stakeholders, including representatives from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), to discuss enhancing air quality monitoring infrastructure and communication platforms.
A key recommendation from the workshop was integrating air quality forecasting into KMD’s existing framework, leveraging established structures while connecting them with scientific expertise and forecasting models. Participants stressed the need for strong data-sharing arrangements and developing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to facilitate smooth information exchange.
Professor Owuor highlighted the necessity of establishing a central data center for continuous air quality monitoring, aligning with Kenya’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Egerton University has been chosen to host the RESPIRA Sense-Making facility, with Professor Wilkister Nyaora Moturi and Dr. Oscar Odonde leading the project.
Professor Moturi pointed out the lack of actionable data hampers progress in addressing air pollution. She emphasized providing accurate, real-time data on air quality as a foundation for effective policies. She also called for collaborative efforts, urging county administrations to prioritize curbing air pollution and implementing a comprehensive air quality monitoring network.
Dr. Nick Rahier, RESPIRA’s lead researcher, acknowledged the severe impacts of air pollution on health and the economy, advocating for a well-thought-out plan to address the issue. He stressed the need for robust community engagement and the adoption of cleaner technologies by the private sector. Civil society organizations also play a crucial role in educating the public about pollution dangers.
According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), outdoor air pollution caused around 400,000 premature deaths in Africa in 2019, while indoor air pollution led to over one million premature deaths. Dr. Rahier emphasized the disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of addressing these challenges for the future of the city and the country.
