A pivotal workshop convened by the World Resources Institute (WRI) took place in Naivasha from May 21st to 24th, 2024, focusing on the implementation of KS-EAS 1047:2022 standards on air quality, specifically vehicular exhaust emission limits. The workshop saw participation from key institutions such as, Environment Compliance Institute (ECI), Nairobi City County Government, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Department of Transport - Nairobi City County Government, Mechanical and Transport Division (MTD), Ministry of Transport, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). Dr. Jackson Koimbori, the Senior Circular Economy and Climate Change Coordinator from KEPSA, attended on behalf of the private sector, highlighting the critical role businesses play in environmental stewardship.

Nairobi's rapid urbanization over the last fifty years has brought significant environmental challenges, with air quality deteriorating at an alarming rate. The city’s population has swelled from less than half a million in the 1970s to an expected 7 million by 2030, driving up the demand for public transport and contributing to severe air pollution. The workshop aimed to develop a roadmap for the KS-EAS 1047:2022 standards, essential for mitigating air pollution caused by vehicular emissions. By targeting particulate matter and black carbon emissions, the standards aim to address some of the city's most pressing environmental health challenges.

The private sector's engagement was a cornerstone of the workshop, with 32 companies having already expressed interest in becoming designated Vehicle Emission Testing Centers. Their involvement is crucial, leveraging their technical expertise, sector-specific knowledge, and capacity for innovation to develop effective and sustainable emission reduction strategies. Self-regulation and adherence to biennial emission testing for private vehicles, as stipulated by the KS EAS 1047 standards, were emphasized as key responsibilities. The workshop also underscored the need for these companies to comply with rigorous application procedures to ensure high standards in emissions testing.

Guidelines for these testing centers, developed by a multi-agency team, were presented during the workshop. These guidelines will ensure all vehicles, whether petrol or diesel-powered, are tested for priority air pollutants as per the KS EAS 1047 standards. The workshop concluded with recommendations for strengthening partnerships among stakeholders, raising public awareness about the impacts of air quality on health and the environment, and ensuring the availability of data to inform decision-making. Continuous air quality monitoring and enhanced collaboration with the private sector were identified as pivotal for the effective management of air quality in Kenya.