Air pollution Stories

Nearly entire global population exposed to harmful environments - World Bank
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Sep 02, 2025

The report highlights that in low-income countries the situation is even worse, with eight out of ten people lacking all three essentials: clean air,...

NEMA launches crackdown on factories producing plastic bags
Lucy Mumbi  |  Aug 22, 2025

Manufacturers caught flouting the law now face fines of up to Sh4 million or imprisonment for up to two years.

Unseen and unprotected: The hidden workforce battling Kenya’s waste crisis
Charity Kilei  |  Aug 22, 2025

Their experiences call for urgent reforms: full implementation of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, proper infrastructure for sorting and material...

The recycling dilemma: Most plastic still ends up as waste
DW News  |  Aug 12, 2025

Of the record volumes of plastic being produced, less than 10% is made into something new. Is it time to rethink recycling?

Kenya calls for swift action on global plastic pollution treaty
Rachael Mutabasi  |  Aug 10, 2025

Namwamba stressed that the treaty under negotiation is an environmental instrument with the potential to drive ecosystem restoration, conserve biodive...

UN negotiations enter final stretch for historic global plastics treaty amid falling recycling rates
Alfred Onyango  |  Aug 07, 2025

Every year, the world makes more than 400 million tons of new plastic, and that could grow by about 70 per cent by 2040 without policy changes, accord...

Somalia’s climate crisis demands global action, says IOM
Mary Wambui  |  Aug 02, 2025

IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels said the people of Somalia are living through some of the harshest impacts of the climate crisis, which is...

Seven must-clean spots in your home each month for a healthier living space
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Aug 01, 2025

A clean home requires more than weekly tidying—monthly deep-cleaning of often-overlooked areas can be the key to comfort and preventing chronic illnes...

India: Four school children dead, several feared trapped after roof collapse in Rajasthan
DW News  |  Jul 25, 2025

Some 40 children, apart from teachers and staff members, were in the school building in India's Rajasthan when the roof collapsed, killing at least fo...

Cooking smoke linked to 26,000 deaths in Kenya every year - report
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jul 22, 2025

The report highlights that Kenya records more than one million Disability-Adjusted-Life-Years (DALYs) every year as a result of diseases connected to...

Over 600 air monitors deployed as Africa’s pollution fight gains ground
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jul 17, 2025

The Breathe Cities Nairobi initiative, launched in September 2024, aims to cut air pollution by 30 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Nairobi i...

Nairobi’s air pollution fuelling surge in children’s lung disease, experts warn
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jul 17, 2025

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 600,000 children under 15 years die every year due to respiratory infections linked to air pollution...

Vehicle emissions, burning hospital waste now Africa’s biggest air pollution threats, experts warn
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jul 16, 2025

According to Mwaniki, Nairobi is also struggling with another major source of air pollution- the open burning of hospital waste. He said the practice...

Africa’s freshwater ecosystems depend on little creatures like insects and snails: Study maps overlooked species
Martin Kinyanjui  |  Jul 13, 2025

Ignoring macroinvertebrates is ignoring the silent custodians of biodiversity and the very foundation of healthy freshwater ecosystems.

Kenya leads Indian Ocean oil spill drill to boost regional marine emergency readiness
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jul 08, 2025

The exercise tests the ability of state and non-state actors to respond to maritime disasters using a unified command system. Officials say the goal i...

Our oceans are in trouble: how to move beyond the outrage and start taking real action
The Conversation  |  Jun 27, 2025

Habitat loss through coastal development threatens many coastal ecosystems, including estuaries and mangroves, which are vital nurseries for many fish...

Thousands join plastic pollution fight as Diani Beach festival kicks off in Kwale
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jun 10, 2025

The initiative brings together more than 60 partners, including governmental and non-governmental organisations, for a series of workshops, exhibition...

Coast hoteliers urge tougher anti-pollution measures to protect marine life and boost tourism
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jun 10, 2025

The industry stakeholders voiced concerns over the persistent dumping of waste, including disposable diapers, plastic bottles, and microplastics along...

Nairobi leads in plastic waste despite single-use papers ban as report shows alarming pollution levels
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jun 10, 2025

Nairobi accounts for a third of all non-recyclable waste in Kenya, with the city’s urban areas producing nearly 30 per cent of daily plastic garbage,...

Ethiopian parliament passes Bill banning single-use plastic bags
XINHUA  |  Jun 05, 2025

According to data obtained from the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, plastic bags constitute 46 per cent of the plastic waste generated b...

City residents living along Nairobi River assured of new homes, not evictions under revitalisation plan
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Apr 28, 2025

Mumo Musuva, the vice-chairman of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, made it clear that the project would not result in the displacement of local resident...

Nairobi County cracks down on CBD shops over noise pollution
Lucy Mumbi  |  Apr 09, 2025

Mosiria emphasised the importance of maintaining a quiet and conducive environment, particularly in an area that is home to learning institutions and...

Uganda’s boda boda bikes are deadly polluters: Study models how going electric could save lives
The Conversation  |  Apr 09, 2025

Air pollution is the second leading cause of death worldwide, causing over 1 million premature deaths each year in Africa. Over 30,000 of these deaths...

NEMA closes factories in Nairobi, Samburu and Kilifi over pollution concerns
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Mar 08, 2025

NEMA stressed the importance of complying with environmental regulations to safeguard the environment while conducting industrial activities.

Duale admits Nairobi River cleanup tougher than expected
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Feb 27, 2025

The CS pointed out that the government initially underestimated the challenge.

Sakaja says at least 2,500 people die annually in Nairobi from air pollution
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Feb 20, 2025

According to Clean Air Fund's 2020 State of the Global Air report, more than 5,000 premature deaths in Nairobi are linked to air pollution-related ill...

New regulations to curb noise pollution in Nairobi target matatus, clubs and businesses
Charles Adinda  |  Feb 12, 2025

Bars, clubs, and churches that have been notorious for playing loud music will also face stringent action.

Lamu youths turn Lake Kenyatta into party venue, leave it littered with trash
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jan 24, 2025

More than 60,000 residents of Mpeketoni and its environs rely on Lake Kenyatta to provide water for domestic use.

Nema shuts down Likoni Lane construction site after city residents raise public health concerns
Lucy Mumbi  |  Jan 23, 2025

The directive comes amid ongoing efforts by Nema to regulate construction activities and curb environmental pollution in Nairobi.

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