Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kenya 🇰🇪

Live Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5 Levels in Kenya

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is measured at a score of 57. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Good. The current atmosphere in Nairobi is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 12.2 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 12.7 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 10.4 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Kenya based on industrial output, traffic density, and local weather patterns. Real-time pollution data and respiratory health alerts are also being actively monitored in cities like Kakamega, Mombasa, Nakuru, Ruiru and Eldoret. Tracking these air quality metrics is essential for residents nationwide to manage outdoor exposure and maintain respiratory safety during periods of increased particulate concentration.

Air Quality Snapshot: Kenya Right Now

Across 37 monitored cities in Kenya, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 17 AQI in Lodwar (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 124 AQI in Busia (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 17 Good, 18 Moderate, 2 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 11.6 µg/m³ — approximately 2.3 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Kenya Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Pollution Monitor & AQI Forecast: Kenya Regions

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* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Kenya is calculated using the US EPA standard. Information is processed from multiple monitoring stations detecting PM2.5, PM10, and gaseous pollutants to ensure accuracy for respiratory health planning.

What Today's Readings Mean in Kenya

The median reading across 37 monitored cities is 54 AQI. The national spread is 107 points, from 17 in Lodwar to 124 in Busia. Average PM2.5 is 11.6 µg/m³ (2.3× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exertion in the affected city.

See the complete AQI and pollutant reference scales

Health & Scientific Resources

→ How to read US EPA Air Quality Index before going outside → Understanding Air Quality Index levels and what they mean → When haze forms and what it does to air quality

Air Quality in Kenya — FAQ

Common questions about AQI levels, pollutants, and data sources for Kenya.

What is the current air quality in Kenya?

Live AQI readings for 37 city(ies) across Kenya are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Kenya's AQI data come from?

Real-time readings come from ground-based monitoring stations operated by national environmental agencies in Kenya, delivered via WeatherAPI.com and aggregated using the EPA AQI formula.

What is a healthy AQI value in Kenya?

On the EPA scale used worldwide, 0-50 is Good, 51-100 is Moderate, 101-150 is Unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is Unhealthy, 201-300 is Very Unhealthy, and 301-500 is Hazardous. The WHO 24-hour PM2.5 guideline is 15 μg/m³.

Why do AQI readings vary between cities in Kenya?

Air quality is highly local — major pollution sources (traffic, industry, dust, wildfires) cluster around cities, while wind direction and topography move them around. Comparing nearby readings on this page is the best way to see how conditions change across Kenya.