Breathe Nairobi Initiative

Clean Air. Healthy Communities. Collective Action.
Breathe Nairobi Initiative brings together communities, government, civil society and technical partners to improve air quality and build a healthier, more resilient Nairobi.

Why this Project

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is the largest city in East Africa and home to over 5.3 million residents. By 2035, this population is projected to reach ~8 million, increasing pressure on the city’s infrastructure and environment. As East Africa’s economic and transport hub, Nairobi ranks first regionally in the Global Business Cities Index 2022. It boasts a thriving tech ecosystem, earning it the nickname ‘Silicon Savannah.’ However, this rapid growth has led to serious air pollution challenges, with the city’s PM2.5 concentrations 2019 being 4.2 times higher than WHO-recommended levels.

GROOTS Kenya's Role

GROOTS Kenya ensures that grassroots communities, particularly women, are not only informed about air quality challenges but also have opportunities to influence the solutions.

Location

Nairobi County, Kenya

Global Initiative

Breathe Cities

Duration

2024 - Ongoing

Focus

Air Quality & Public Health

Participants

Communities & Stakeholders

Strategic Area

Climate Resilience

Our Pillars

Data and Research
Using local air quality data and research to identify pollution sources, understand impacts, and inform effective clean-air policies.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
Working with communities and local stakeholders to build awareness, strengthen participation, and amplify voices affected by air pollution.
Technical Policy Assistance
Supporting Nairobi City County with technical expertise and capacity building to develop sustainable clean-air strategies and urban solutions.
Knowledge & Lesson Sharing
Connecting Nairobi with cities worldwide to exchange lessons, share successful approaches, and advance global action on clean air.

Our Work in Action

Community Awareness
Campaigns and public education that make air quality information accessible.
Grassroots Engagement
Supporting communities to participate in discussions and solutions.
Clean Transport
Engaging transport actors on ways to reduce vehicle-related pollution
Waste Management
Connecting responsible waste management with cleaner air.
Policy & Advocacy
Linking community experiences to decision-making.
Knowledge & Communications
Using storytelling and evidence to encourage action.

Our Impact

0
Clean Air champions trained
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Community Clean Ups

Stories from the Field

Our Partners

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