Kiambu County last week began generating real-time data on transport-related emissions following the installation of six air quality monitoring devices aimed at supporting evidence-based policies for clean and sustainable mobility.
The devices were installed with support from the World Resources Institute (WRI) along major traffic corridors with high concentrations of two and three-wheelers, commonly known as boda bodas and tuk-tuks in Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Githurai, Kiambu and Karuri municipalities.
The air quality monitoring exercise marked one of the preliminary activities under the Safiri Electric Project, a multi-agency initiative being implemented by the State Departments of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change; Trade; National Treasury; and Roads and Transport, in partnership with the Council of Governors and WRI.
The project is being rolled out in Kiambu, Kajiado and Kilifi counties and seeks to decarbonise Kenya’s transport sector by accelerating the electrification of two- and three-wheelers and expanding charging infrastructure in peri-urban and rural areas.
According to the Department of Water, Environment, Energy and Natural Resources, Kiambu County, the installed devices will transmit real-time data on carbon emissions and air quality levels, providing baseline measurements before and during the implementation of decarbonization measures. The data will be used to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing vehicle-related pollution in urban centres.
The Safiri Electric Project aligns with Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP 3) and county climate priorities and is expected to run from 2025 to 2029.
In October 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and WRI jointly launched a national program to accelerate the adoption of electric two- and three-wheelers, with Kiambu among the beneficiary counties.
Commenting on the initiative, George Mwaniki, WRI Kenya Country Representative, said Kenya has a unique opportunity to cut emissions through clean transport.
“With two-wheelers accounting for over 70 percent of annual vehicle registrations and over 90 percent of Kenya’s electricity generated from renewable sources, electrifying this segment offers a high-impact, scalable solution to reduce emissions and support economic growth,” he said.
The County Government of Kiambu, under the leadership of Governor Kimani Wamatangi, has positioned itself at the forefront of climate action by championing initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change impacts, improving air quality and strengthening community resilience.
Officials noted that the deployment of monitoring technology will play a critical role in guiding evidence-based policy decisions as counties adopt cleaner and more sustainable means of transport.
By Kevin Karanja
