Mr. Stephen Gitahi inspecting one of the air quality devices with his colleague.
Strathmore University, @iLabAfrica is taking decisive action against climate change by focusing on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect: monitoring air quality as epitomized in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate air pollution’s environmental and health consequences, a growing concern in Nairobi, Kenya.
Nairobi’s Air Quality: A Growing Concern
In early 2021, Nairobi was ranked as the dirtiest city in the country based on air quality measurements. With a US Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 73, the air quality was categorized as “Moderate” according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The city’s air pollution is largely attributed to suspended particulate matter, specifically PM2.5 and PM10, which originates from various sources including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and burning waste materials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 19,000 people die annually in Kenya due to air pollution. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that Nairobi experiences pollution levels at 70 percent of the recommended limits. In addition, it is estimated that 20 million Kenyans suffer from respiratory issues exacerbated by poor air quality. These conditions are particularly aggravated by vehicle emissions, which often idle for extended periods, contributing significantly to air pollution.
Strathmore University’s Initiative: Leading the Way in Air Quality Monitoring
Strathmore University is no stranger to climate-conscious innovations with projects such as the 600kWp SU Solar system that harnesses the sun to provide electricity to the university. In response to the deteriorating air quality, Strathmore through its Internet of Things and Wireless Networks Research and Innovation Lab has continued to spearhead efforts to enhance air quality monitoring through innovative technologies. The Lab has improved on its earlier works and is currently in collaboration with Code4Africa’s Sensors Africa initiative, it has deployed three air quality monitoring devices around the Ole Sangale campus. This initiative further propels the expansive vision to transform Strathmore into a ‘greener’ smart campus.
Key Components of the Air Quality Monitoring Devices.
The user interface
Collaborative Sensor Deployment and Improvement: The IoT & Wireless Networks Lab has installed three air quality monitoring devices on campus. These sensors provide real-time data on various pollutants, helping identify areas that require intervention while promoting a healthier campus environment.
Skill Sharing and Data Accessibility: The data collected from the sensors is accessible to the Strathmore community and the public here with instructions. Archive data can be found here. This openness fosters interdisciplinary research and enables the development of innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Capacity Building Initiatives: The lab plans to host a joint session focusing on IoT, Big Data, and Analytics about air quality. This session aims to educate the Strathmore community and the public on how these technologies can be leveraged for better environmental monitoring and policy-making.
The significance of monitoring air quality cannot be overstated as air pollutants including Carbon monoxide, Ozone, Nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter contribute to global warming and jeopardize people’s health. These efforts at Strathmore University represent a significant step towards mitigating these effects.
This initiative complements the Nairobi Air Quality Action Plan (2019-2023), supported by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Environmental Compliance Institute by providing actionable data to inform policy decisions and drive effective interventions to reduce air pollution.
By leveraging IoT and data analytics, Strathmore University is improving air quality on campus and contributing valuable insights in the fight against climate change. The success of these initiatives underscores the importance of integrating technology and research in tackling environmental issues paving the way for a cleaner and healthier future.
By @iLabAfrica Research and Innovation Centre, Strathmore University.
