A Breath of (Not So) Fresh Air: My Reflections from the Clean Air Forum in Nairobi

The Clean Air Forum in Nairobi concluded yesterday, and I’m processing the mix of stark reality and incredible hope I experienced there. For me, this trip was a powerful, personal reminder of why we do what we do at AirGradient.

This was my first time in sub-Saharan Africa, and the vibrant energy of Nairobi was immediately captivating. But as someone who constantly monitors the air, I couldn’t help but notice something else. The moment I stepped out of the airport, the air felt heavy. Our sensors confirmed it: throughout my stay, PM2.5 levels in the city fluctuated between a high 40 and a staggering 80 µg/m³.

To put that into perspective, the World Health Organization’s annual guideline for PM2.5 is just 5 µg/m³. By the second day of the conference, I had developed a persistent cough. It was a visceral, physical reaction to the air I was breathing.

This personal experience, though temporary for me, was a profound gut-punch. It drove home the fact that what I was feeling for a few days is the daily reality for millions of people in Nairobi and countless other cities across the globe. It’s one thing to see the data on a screen; it’s another thing entirely to feel it in your own lungs. This experience made the discussions and collaborations at the Clean Air Forum feel not just important, but critically urgent.

The Power of Community, In Person

In the midst of these sobering thoughts, the forum was also a place of immense connection and a powerful reminder that we are part of a diverse, global community fighting for the same cause. Our small table showcasing our open-source monitors became a vibrant meeting point. We had fantastic conversations with the dedicated team from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), who are on the front lines of tackling urban pollution in one of Africa’s largest megacities.

It was inspiring to connect with the visionaries from organizations like the Clean Air Fund and the EPIC Fund, who are channeling critical resources to the most impactful clean air projects. We spent time with OpenAQ, who share our deep commitment to making air quality data accessible to all. We connected with scientists from the World Bank, who are shaping the research that can drive systemic change across nations.

Just as importantly, I was energized by the passion of grassroots civic organizations like Urban Better, who are mobilizing communities and championing citizen-led science. And, of course, we met with countless researchers from universities across the globe, the brilliant minds who are advancing our collective understanding of air pollution. Seeing all these different groups in one place—from government officials and international funders to local activists and academic researchers—was the ultimate validation of our mission. It was a clear and powerful demonstration that while we may all play different roles, we are all part of one ecosystem, united in the fight for clean air.

Presenting Our Work and Giving Back

I was also proud to contribute directly to the scientific discourse at the forum. I presented two posters on behalf of our team. The first detailed our approach to capacity building in communities using open-source air quality monitors, sharing our model for empowering local champions. The second showcased the Air Quality Monitoring Toolkit we co-developed with the UNDP, a practical guide designed to help citizens and organizations set up their own monitoring projects.

But our most meaningful contribution was something we left behind. We were thrilled to donate five of our professional outdoor AirGradient ONE monitors to the new AirQo Sensor Bank. This incredible initiative, led by AirQo, provides African researchers, institutions, and community groups with access to a library of calibrated sensors. Our hope is that these monitors will be used in projects across the continent, helping to fill data gaps and empower new air quality heroes.

A Feeling of Optimism for Africa

Beyond the sessions and the networking, my biggest takeaway from Nairobi was a feeling of optimism. It was my first visit to sub-Saharan Africa, and I was blown away by the positive energy, the drive, and the sheer talent in the room.

I was particularly inspired by the younger generation of scientists, activists, and entrepreneurs. Their passion for fighting for clean air in their communities was palpable. There is a powerful movement building across Africa, one that is leveraging new technologies, collaborative models, and an unshakeable determination to secure a healthier future. I left Nairobi with a very strong feeling that things are starting to change for the better.

I want to extend a big thank-you to the organizers: AirQo, Nairobi City County Government, WRI Africa, and the Health Effects Institute—for putting together such an impactful event.

I’m already looking forward to returning next year for the Clean Air Forum 2026!