Capital city in Nairobi County, Kenya
Air quality in Nairobi
Moderate
The annual average PM2.5 in Nairobi was 13.1 µg/m³ in 2021, about 2.6 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Traffic fumes and dust in dry months; usually moderate.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 13.1 µg/m³ yearly average (2021). Measured at Nairobi.
Air quality across Kenya
| Place | PM2.5 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mombasa | 10.8 µg/m³ | Moderate |
| Nairobi | 13.1 µg/m³ | Moderate |
Quick answers
Is the air in Nairobi bad?
Moderate: 13.1 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 2.6× the WHO guideline.
When is the air worst in Nairobi?
Traffic fumes and dust in dry months; usually moderate.
How does Nairobi compare with the rest of Kenya?
People in Kenya breathe 20 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 13.1 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Nairobi
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Kenya Airports Authority)
- Kenya Railways
- Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi
- UK FCDO travel advice: Kenya
Annual averages are measured values reported to the WHO; check a live map for today's air. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.