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SEI Africa, in collaboration with UNEP and Athletics Kenya have been at the forefront of air quality monitoring, as the issue of air pollution continues to grow. Air quality sensors have been installed in sports facilities in six countries across Africa, with the data being used by coaches drawing up training schedules and event organizers looking to keep competitors safe.
Athletes competing.
Photo: Athletics Kenya.
If you were to run that long period of time in an environment where there's polluted air, you cannot sustain it. It really affects your breathing capacity and your blood oxygen levels
Dr. Philip Osano - SEI Africa Centre Director
Air pollution causes more than 1.2 million deaths annually in Africa, according to the United Nations and the Clean Air Fund, making it the second-largest cause of death across the continent. Air pollution is on the rise in African cities because of increasing urbanization and industrial activity, affecting mass participation races in places like Nairobi in Kenya. The situation is particularly worrying for those who train regularly, because someone exercising can take in as much as 20 times more air than a person at rest – meaning they also breath in 20 times more pollutants. Badly polluted environments can therefore make all the difference for elite athletes looking for crucial marginal gains.
As air pollution becomes an increasingly pressing issue, athletes are turning to science for a clearer understanding of how to avoid the smog. Athletics is at the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness about air quality issues in Africa. It is hoped that data from the current project will be used to enhance safety at the continent’s upcoming major events, such as the 2026 Youth Olympics in Senegal and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in East Africa.
Feature / SEI Africa has embarked on a plan to deploy air quality sensors in the town of Nakuru in Kenya's Rift Valley to measure the quality of health for residents.
Past event / Linking Athletics to Air Quality and Climate Actions in Africa
Press release / New air quality sensors have been installed by the Adidas Stockholm Marathon to improve air quality with support from SEI and UNEP.
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