Fourth International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is an annual global event celebrated on September 7th, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of clean air and advocating for sustainable solutions to air pollution.  Over the past two years SEI, in collaboration with the UNEP Africa Office, SDI-K and the County Government of Nakuru, has been at the forefront of a transformative initiative to address air quality and climate change issues in the city and county of Nakuru at large.

Air pollution poses a severe threat to public health, the environment, and economic well-being. Nakuru City, like many urban areas across the world, is not immune to this problem. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the collaborative efforts of SEI, UNEP, and the County Government of Nakuru have led to the installation of eight air quality sensors in various facilities representing different land uses within the city. These sensors serve as the foundation for understanding and addressing the air quality and climate change challenges facing Nakuru.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and SDI-K have also worked with the county in preparation of the County’s Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) and recently SDI-K’s work on preparation of the Participatory Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment (PCRA) for the County which are complementary activities necessary to help the county and city board in developing policy and legal framework geared towards making the City and the county reduce and monitor the quality of the living environment in the city and county at large.

Athletics Kenya is a signatory to UNFCCC and a member federation of World Athletics and has been working with SEI, UNEP, and the Government in highlighting the issues of clean air for both Sports people and communities.

Expected Outcomes and Outputs:

The commemoration of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2023 in Nakuru City aims to achieve the following outcomes and outputs:

Outcomes:

1. Increased awareness: Raise awareness among Nakuru County staff and partners about the importance of clean air for their health, the environment, and overall quality of life.
2. Enhanced data accessibility: Promote the accessibility of air quality and climate data generated by the air quality sensors, ensuring that the county and partners can access real-time information about air quality in different areas of the city
3. Linking air quality data with climate change issues identified during the PCRA exercise and use of urban toolbox such as citizen science for air quality monitoring tool
4. Policy advocacy: Encourage policymakers and stakeholders to use and link air quality data with climate change information to develop evidence-based policies and strategies to improve the health and well-being of Nakuru City residents.

Outputs

1. Awareness campaign: Conduct a comprehensive awareness among participants by linking air quality with climate change as a way of commemorating the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. Utilize various techniques and practical engagement activities to educate participants and users of Nyayo Garden about air quality issues.
2. Air quality data portal: Present an online platform where users can access real-time air quality data from the eight sensors. Provide information on how to interpret the data and its implications for health and the environment.
3. Air quality monitoring demonstrations: Live demonstrations of air quality monitoring using the sensors will be conducted for the public and students.

Objectives:

1. To increase public awareness about the importance of clean air, and climate change for attaining a healthy living environment, and sustainable development in Nakuru City.
2. To promote transparency and accessibility of air quality data which complements the information used in SEACAP and PCRA
3. To foster collaboration among stakeholders in Nakuru City for the development and implementation of evidence-based policies and strategies to address air pollution and the negative impacts of climate change.

Activities:

1. Launch a clean air awareness campaign, including workshops and social media engagement.
2. Introduce a Nakuru air quality index (AQI) accessible through a dedicated website and mobile application.
3. Host a stakeholder workshop to build capacity on air quality data linkage with climate change and develop a multi-stakeholders joint action plan.

Conclusion:

The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2023 commemoration in Nakuru City serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the ongoing battle for clean air and commitment to addressing the climate change issues for the attainment of a healthier future. The collaboration between the County, SEI, SDI-K, Safaricom and the UNEP, is important in ensuring that air quality and climate change matters are given the serious attention required in formulating responsive actions in taking necessary interventions towards achieving clean air for all. Through public awareness, data accessibility, and policy advocacy, this event aims to empower Nakuru residents to be stewards of their own air quality and climate change information required to drive positive change in their city. Together, we can ensure that Nakuru City enjoys blue skies and a clean, healthy environment for now and future generations.