• Ahead of the International Day for Clean Air for Blue Skies, that is celebrated every September 7, the Executive Director UNEP Ms Inger Andersen has urged the world to invest in clean air. This is in line with 2024’s theme, "Invest in #CleanAirNow".

Did you know that approximately 19000 deaths in Kenya and 7 million worldwide are a result of air pollution? According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this is a violation of human rights.

According to IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, vehicle emissions are a major cause of air pollution in Nairobi. This is especially due to the prevalence of public transport by Kenyans.

The matatus which are commonly used as a public means of transport are always on the wait for customers while their engines remain on. All this while, the engine is pumping pollution into the environment.

Other causes of air pollution in Kenya include factory emissions, burning garbage in open areas, burning forests and using indoor stoves.

Air pollution which is also disadvantageous to the environment also causes poses health risk to humans.

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Ahead of the International Day for Clean Air for Blue Skies, that is celebrated every September 7, the Executive Director UNEP Ms Inger Andersen has urged the world to invest in clean air. This is in line with 2024’s theme, "Invest in #CleanAirNow".

“We are asking nations, and regions and cities, to establish robust air quality standards. We are asking them to back renewable energy and sustainable transport, to hold industry to account with strict emission standards and to integrate air quality into climate action,“ she said through a statement.

In November 2019, the Second Committee of the 74th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly set aside the International Day for Clean Air for Blue Skies in order to raise awareness on the need to improve air quality.

Ms Inger has mentioned that clean air can be achieved through team work and a change of lifestyle.

“We are asking for collective action, from everyone, from international development initiatives to individuals who can together make a change in their own lifestyle. Clean air is a human right, one that is fundamental to our health and prosperity,” she added.