S. GitahiAthletics Kenya, partners begin planning process for Air Quality monitor installation at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 13.04.23. | 22:44
This is the 11th monitor deployment in five African countries as part of a joint Air Quality project between AK, SEI and UNEP
Athletics Kenya - the governing body for the sport of athletics (track and field) in Kenya - in collaboration with two of its partners; United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Stockholm Environment Institute- Africa (SEI) on Thursday announced that they had commenced the planning process for the installation of Air Quality monitors at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia.
The venue, a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 49,800 people is expected to host the second edition of the combined Confederation of African Athletics U18 and U20 Athletics Championships that Kenya will be taking part in after holding a two-day trial event that culminated with the selection of 53 athletes that will compete in the April 29 to May 3 competition.
The announcement comes as positive news for the African continent and World Athletics after the latter in 2018 launched a World Athletics Air Quality Project as part of a campaign to raise awareness of air pollution around the world and paying attention to its effect on elite athletes and recreational runners.
“This is the 11th monitor deployment in five African countries as part of a joint Air Quality project between AK, SEI and UNEP,” a statement from Athletics Kenya read. “This installation will help the event meet World Athletics clean air campaign standards for competition venues.”
@SEIresearch is making arrangements to ensure Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia meets the environmental footprint on air quality monitoring within its premises and ensures the public enjoys good air during the youth Olympic games U18/ U20. pic.twitter.com/QJV41GnAhn
— NGONGANG Wandji D. (@DanubeWandji) April 13, 2023
Communications and Sustainability Officer Maxwell Nyamu represented Athletics Kenya in the meeting in Zambia that was chaired by Mr. Benford Chisanyi and other ministry officials including Matthew Mkandawire, David Kasongo, Musonda Musonda and Mr. Ngongang Wandji - a SEI Air Quality Expert.
Since August 2021, when AK signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the body has installed six air quality sensors in the Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi National Park and Nakuru Athletics Club, Uasin Gishu and Nandi and became the first member federation to sign the Sport for Climate Action Framework, underlining the governing body’s position at the forefront of climate action in Kenya.
“The installation details included technical issues on power, connectivity, maintenance and training to the stadium management team to ensure 100% uptime,” Athletics Kenya communication read at the end.
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