Nairobi to host landmark forum on cross-border clean air partnerships

Nairobi is set to host a major continental forum aimed at tackling the growing threat of air pollution in Africa.

The third edition of the CLEAN-Air Forum will take place from July 15 to 17, bringing together top air quality experts, policymakers, and development partners to explore sustainable and inclusive solutions to air pollution.

Held under the theme “Partnerships for Clean Air Solutions,” the Forum will unite stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.

These include national and county governments, civil society, researchers, youth leaders, private sector players, and multilateral organisations.

The CLEAN-Air Forum is organised by AirQo—an air quality research initiative based at Makerere University—in partnership with the Health Effects Institute (HEI), World Resources Institute Africa (WRI), and Nairobi City County Government. Previous editions were held in Kampala in 2023 and Lagos in 2024.

Described as “Africa’s leading platform for driving evidence, innovation, and equity in air quality,” the Forum will provide a space for governments and partners to exchange knowledge and share tools to tackle pollution. Organisers say the event reflects the urgent need for regional collaboration.

“No one city, country, or community can solve this crisis alone. We have to work together,” said Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at WRI.

Air pollution remains one of the deadliest public health threats in East Africa. A recent HEI scoping review found that in 2021 alone, pollution caused an estimated 294,000 deaths in the region. This makes it the second-highest cause of death after malnutrition.

The review also highlighted key pollution sources: vehicle emissions and the use of biomass fuels. It noted that air quality monitoring coverage remains limited across the region.

Despite Nairobi’s role as an environmental leader, the city still has fewer than 100 public air quality monitors.

Most of these are a result of partnerships between AirQo, Breathe Cities, UNEP, and GEOHealth Hub, working with Nairobi County.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the city has made great strides in air quality monitoring, and the Forum will be an opportunity to chart a cleaner path forward.

“Air pollution remains a major public health and environmental threat, both locally and globally,” Sakaja said. “The data we have must drive inclusive and informed action.”

Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) General Manager Dr. Babatunde Ajayi will be among the keynote speakers. He emphasised the value of collaboration in developing unified strategies.

“When we collaborate, we share expertise, benchmark standards, and speak with one voice,” he said.

Deputy Governor of Kisumu, Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili, added that shared policies and joint strategies can unlock funding and fast-track innovation.

“I hope this Forum catalyses a united front, bigger investments, stronger commitments, and new partnerships for clean air,” he said.

The Forum will also launch a renewed vision for the Africa Clean Air Network.

Organisers say the network has grown into a continental force since its launch in Kampala in 2023. The focus will be on “connecting people, data, and practical solutions” to advance the fight for clean air.

Over 300 participants are expected to attend the Nairobi event. These include representatives from governments, universities, startups, donor agencies, grassroots organisations, and the private sector.