Nakuru: Efforts to monitor air quality in Nakuru have received a significant boost through a project initiated by scholars from Egerton University. This project is focused on installing air quality monitors in frequently visited places that are prone to pollution. The monitors, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), will provide real-time data on air quality, allowing experts to analyze the data and offer appropriate advice.
According to Kenya News Agency, the installation of these machines is part of the ‘Quality of Air Research in Nakuru Project,’ spearheaded by Environmental Health Professor Wilkister Moturi. The project is supported by the Flanders Government in Belgium under the Spira air quality management initiative. Professor Moturi, who is also the project’s Principal Investigator, explained that sensors are being installed in various parts of Nakuru’s Central Business District. These sensors use AI’s predictive modeling to forecast pollution levels by analyzing historical data alongside current environmental conditions.
The AI-driven predictions are expected to assist scientists and policymakers in anticipating air pollution trends before they occur. Professor Moturi noted that AI could identify overlooked patterns and correlations, predict pollution hotspots, and enable cities to take preventive measures to mitigate poor air quality. Early warnings could help individuals with respiratory conditions plan their activities to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
The project also incorporates a ‘Citizen Science’ approach, empowering communities to actively participate in monitoring air pollution and improving public awareness. Professor Moturi emphasized that citizen science involves educating communities about air quality issues, the health impacts of pollution, and ways to reduce pollution. Engaging communities in data collection increases awareness of air quality problems and encourages them to identify pollution sources and potentially lobby for solutions.
The initiative also leverages satellite data to enable more accurate, real-time data analysis and forecasting. This improves public reporting, informs decision-making, and enhances air quality awareness. Beyond monitoring and prediction, AI-powered air quality monitors aim to assist governments and organizations in implementing more effective pollution control strategies. Professor Moturi noted that many smart city initiatives are now incorporating AI to dynamically adjust environmental regulations in response to fluctuating pollution levels, thereby improving urban air quality.
Professor Moturi revealed that over 100 stakeholders from diverse sectors, including civil society, community-based organizations, youth groups, environmental lobby groups, the County government of Nakuru, and Egerton University researchers, have participated in sensitization workshops on air quality. These workshops aim to equip participants with skills to identify activities that pollute the air and strategies to minimize the menace.
The ‘Quality of Air Research in Nakuru Project’ follows the Nakuru County Government’s previous efforts to improve air quality. Last year, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), the County Government unveiled air quality sensors in public places, learning institutions, and shopping malls as part of the City Health and Wellbeing (Chew) program. These sensors were installed at locations such as Nakuru Girls High School, Nakuru Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nyayo Garden, Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC), and ten shopping malls.
Professor Moturi stated that the sensors not only enable researchers to collect and analyze more data on the impact of air pollution on the public but also inform mitigation actions. The air quality sensor network captures particulate matter, including dust, smoke, and soot, as well as gases, and provides online information on air quality, main pollutants, and weather conditions, offering advisory on actions to be taken and places to avoid for those with sensitive respiratory conditions.
The installation of air quality monitoring devices is considered a game changer, as it is often challenging for authorities to pinpoint pollution sources and trends to develop effective solutions. Conventional air pollution management typically relies on a few reference stations that are expensive and difficult to operate, with high uncertainty in mathematical modeling.
While acknowledging that air pollution is a silent killer affecting the health of communities, plants, animals, and the environment, Professor Moturi highlighted that the project aims to formulate a long-term solution for accessing air quality data. This will help identify the various threats causing air pollution in the city, raise awareness, and improve air quality.
Air quality sensors operate by measuring the reduction of infrared radiation in the air. The signal from the infrared detector is amplified, and the attenuation of the radiation caused by the collision with carbon dioxide is analyzed. The presence of more carbon dioxide results in greater attenuation of infrared radiation.