Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)-Africa Center has fixed the air quality monitoring sensor at Raila Odinga stadium to enhance sporting activities in Homa Bay.
The initiative will enable sports personalities to know the quality of air they breathe during sporting events around the facility.
SEI Africa Center together with Athletics Kenya (AK) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) partnered to connect the sensor at the stadium.
Raila Odinga stadium becomes among the 13 in Africa that have now been connected with the machine. Other stadia include Kasarani, Nyayo and Nakuru Athletics Club
SEI Africa director Philip Osano said the sensors for monitoring air quality are part of the wider efforts they are undertaking to promote breathing of cleaner air in the environment for good health.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Athletics Kenya (AK) president Lt Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei were present during the unveiling of the sensor.
Osano said air pollution contributes heavily to the health burden that negatively impacts the economies of African countries.
The installation of the machine will enable the sports community, including athletes, to benefit from improved air quality at the stadium and other sports facilities used for competitions and recreational activities.
“The machine will enable us to measure the greenbelts around stadiums to protect athletes and fans during sporting events. The machine detects poor quality air for two days over the same period,” Osano said.
According to Osano, the machine provides real-time data that can be monitored on a website from anywhere in the world.
Tuwei said Athletics Kenya (AK) is using the machines to know the status of air quality and the extent to which athletes and fans are exposed to air pollution during training and competitions.
Raila Odinga is already fitted with track and floodlight masts to attract local and international sporting events.
The air quality monitor will provide state-of-the-art data to facilitate the hosting of major international athletics events in the venue.
“The SEI machine will also help in taking remedial actions such as creating greenbelts around stadiums through tree planting,” Tuwei said.
Governor Wanga said the stadium is already certified by Fifa to host international sporting competitions. Currently, the stadium is hosting Kenya Premier League matches.
Wanga said her government is deliberate on improving sports through the establishment of facilities and nurturing talent.
It includes completing the stadium where her admiration plans to build terraces around the stadium.
Besides the stadium, the sensors are installed at Bus Park, Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, and the county’s recreational park.
“We’re calling for more and stronger partnerships to enable us to develop our people. We can’t walk this journey alone,” Wanga said.
Climatologist Clifford Omondi said the machines will improve the fight against climate change.
“It will help environmentalists to keep an eye on emissions around the stadium. The air data recorded will as well help in undertaking research and people will monitor the trend,” Omondi said.