Africa's battle against deadly air pollution takes center stage as Nairobi prepares to welcome hundreds of experts for a crucial three-day summit. The CLEAN-Air Forum kicks off July 15 with top researchers, government officials and environmental advocates gathering under the banner Partnerships for Clean Air Solutions. AirQo from Makerere University teams up with major organizations including the Health Effects Institute and World Resources Institute to host the continental event. Previous forums drew crowds to Kampala and Lagos as the movement gains momentum across the region. More than 300 participants will descend on Kenya's capital to tackle the crisis head-on.
Pollution kills nearly 300,000 people annually across East Africa according to shocking new research from health experts. Vehicle exhaust and cooking fires using wood and charcoal rank as the biggest killers plaguing urban centers throughout the continent. Air quality monitoring remains woefully inadequate with most cities lacking basic measurement tools to track dangerous particles. Even Nairobi manages fewer than 100 public monitoring stations despite its status as a regional environmental leader. The devastating toll places air pollution as the second deadliest threat after malnutrition.
Governor Johnson Sakaja promises the forum will chart cleaner paths forward while showcasing recent advances in monitoring technology. Lagos environmental chief Babatunde Ajayi emphasizes how collaboration helps cities share expertise and develop unified standards. Kisumu's deputy governor believes joint strategies can unlock major funding streams and accelerate innovation efforts. The gathering will relaunch the Africa Clean Air Network with fresh vision and expanded membership. Organizers expect breakthrough partnerships between governments, universities, startups and grassroots organizations fighting for breathable air.
Pollution kills nearly 300,000 people annually across East Africa according to shocking new research from health experts. Vehicle exhaust and cooking fires using wood and charcoal rank as the biggest killers plaguing urban centers throughout the continent. Air quality monitoring remains woefully inadequate with most cities lacking basic measurement tools to track dangerous particles. Even Nairobi manages fewer than 100 public monitoring stations despite its status as a regional environmental leader. The devastating toll places air pollution as the second deadliest threat after malnutrition.
Governor Johnson Sakaja promises the forum will chart cleaner paths forward while showcasing recent advances in monitoring technology. Lagos environmental chief Babatunde Ajayi emphasizes how collaboration helps cities share expertise and develop unified standards. Kisumu's deputy governor believes joint strategies can unlock major funding streams and accelerate innovation efforts. The gathering will relaunch the Africa Clean Air Network with fresh vision and expanded membership. Organizers expect breakthrough partnerships between governments, universities, startups and grassroots organizations fighting for breathable air.
