Living data hubs: Air quality training in Kibera, Nairobi

Summary

This presentation introduces community members to the fundamentals of air quality, its importance, and the major sources of pollution in Kibera, including indoor fuels such as kerosene and charcoal, poor ventilation, outdoor waste burning, vehicle emissions, dust, and industrial activities.

It guides participants through recognising both short‑ and long‑term health impacts—from burning eyes and foul smells to lung disease, cardiovascular issues and elevated healthcare costs—while emphasising the value of collecting, interpreting and communicating air quality data using sensors like PurpleAir. The training includes interactive discussions, activities ranking pollution sources, demonstrations of how AQ data is visualised, and exploration of how communities can use this information for advocacy, education and local action. It concludes by encouraging collaborative strategies for pollution reduction, such as improved waste management, collective monitoring, stronger communication networks and future partnerships for research, education and policy engagement.