Rwanda plans to triple air quality monitoring network
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The Rwandan government intends to expand its air quality monitoring network from 16 to 55 stations by the end of 2026, aiming to provide every district with the ability to measure air pollution.
Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, explained that increased monitoring will supply stronger evidence for decisions about pollution control and public health. Authorities have already created dashboards for real-time air quality tracking in cities and towns.
This expansion comes as many African cities struggle with air pollution as a growing health concern. From September 15 to 17, representatives from thirteen African cities, including Abidjan, Accra, and Kampala, met in Kigali to discuss public health challenges like air pollution and extreme heat, with support from the World Health Organisation. In Kigali, officials are conducting detailed pollution assessments near high-traffic areas, schools, and residential zones, working with the University of Rwanda and the Partnership for Healthy Cities.
Joseph Ngamije, Deputy Director for Africa at the Partnership for Healthy Cities, anticipates these assessments will take three to six months to complete, allowing authorities to create targeted solutions based on the data collected. Public health officials emphasize that air pollution is often invisible, and monitoring networks are essential for identifying problems and protecting residents.
