Nyayo Stadium passes air quality test ahead of Kip Keino Classic
By Joel Masibo, April 5, 2026Athletics Kenya has confirmed that Nyayo National Stadium is fully ready to host the seventh edition of the Kip Keino Classic scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, after tests showed the venue meets acceptable air-quality standards.
This positive outcome shared by Athletics Kenya on Sunday, April 5, 2026, is expected to support athletes in delivering strong performances on race day.
Air quality
According to Ngongang Wandji Danube, a data science and air quality management researcher at the Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI) Africa, data gathered over the last four years indicates that conditions around the stadium have remained consistently safe for athletes and spectators, as organisers resort to technology for a fun event.
The research institute installed specialised monitoring devices at the facility to conduct long-term environmental checks. Wandji explained, “The air monitoring system at Nyayo has been in place for the past four years, and we have observed that air quality has remained within the recommended health levels,” confirming that the readings have stayed within acceptable safety margins.
Working closely with global athletics authorities, Athletics Kenya collaborated with SEI to ensure compliance with environmental regulations set by World Athletics. Wandji highlighted the long-running partnership, stating, “The Stockholm Environmental Institute has supported Athletics Kenya for the past four years since 2022. As a signatory to World Athletics, it means any sanctioned event that AK hosts must comply with sustainability standards set by the global body,” emphasising the obligation to meet international sustainability requirements.
He further explained that their efforts involve identifying and supervising competition venues chosen for elite competitions, with Nyayo Stadium among the selected sites trusted to stage major international meets such as the Kip Keino Classic.
Stadium design
Wandji credited the stadium’s open structure for helping maintain good air quality, as it allows pollutants to disperse naturally rather than accumulate. He noted, “Nyayo Stadium is an open area, so depending on wind conditions, particles in the air are dispersed, with limited accumulation. That is why air pollution levels have remained below the thresholds set by World Athletics,” underlining the role of natural airflow in keeping conditions safe.
Guidelines from World Athletics recommend that venues maintain air quality within “Good” or “Moderate” ranges—generally meaning an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 100 or lower—to protect athletes from harmful pollution exposure.
At Nyayo Stadium, monitoring focuses on pollutants such as PM2.5 (very fine particles), PM10 (larger particulate matter), and nitrogen dioxide, alongside weather-related data that can influence air conditions.
Highlighting the importance of monitoring fine particles, Wandji explained, “The system looks particularly at PM2.5, which are the tiniest particles in the air and can significantly affect athletes,” noting their potential to impact breathing and endurance.
Utilising technology
Sensors at the stadium have been carefully placed near the training area to provide accurate real-time data about environmental conditions. Wandji clarified, “The system monitors ambient air conditions and is fully outdoor-based. At Nyayo, we have installed it at the training track. The rationale is to document the conditions athletes are exposed to during preparation,” pointing out that the aim is to track the environment athletes experience during practice sessions.
He also stressed the importance of clean air for top-level competition, where small differences can determine the outcome of races. Wandji concluded, “In major competitions like the Kip Keino Classic, every second counts. Training in good air quality conditions can have a direct impact on performance and outcomes,” highlighting how favorable environmental conditions can influence success at elite events.