KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

KITUI CAMPUS
NAME:MUKOYA EDWIN BOKA

UNIT CODE: UCU100

UNIT TITTLE: INTRODUCTION TO

COMMUNICTION SKILLS

INSTRUCTOR: DR. KYALO

TASK: CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN NAIROBI
COUNTY
DATE OF SUBMISSION:29/10/2016

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN

NAIROBI COUNTY
Environment refers to the surrounding and anything that affects an organism during
its lifespan. This therefore means that environmental pollution will be the
interference of the environment through air pollution and water pollution to make
the environment mot fit for survival of an organism .This environmental pollution
has come about due to the growth of peoples population and their unlimited wants.
Mans technological advancement is also a factor that is currently leading to
environmental pollution especially air pollution.
Environmental degradation is also a big issue today due to the overuse of the
common property resources which are owned by nobody and are available for all.
People will always tend to misuse these resources without making any consideration
about others.
Air pollution is defined as any atmospheric condition in which certain substances are
present in such Concentration and duration that they may produce harmful effects
on man and his environment. Common air pollutants include carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide, lead and total suspended particles [TSP} which
include dust, smoke, pollen and other solid particles. Most of these substances
occur naturally in low concentration, when they are relatively high compared to the
background value and begin to cause the adverse effects (Rao ,1991).
Nairobi being the capital city of Kenya, air pollution is on a high rate .For instance,
most of the workers and residents of Nairobi tend to use their private vehicles in
their daily activities. They dont put into consideration the use of public vehicles
which is an easier way of controlling air pollution that is caused by release of carbon
monoxide produced by vehicles.
On environment, air pollution is a major contributor to effects such as acid rain,
which has been responsible for much damage to soil, fish, resource and vegetation,
often very far away from the source of pollutants. Air pollution is also responsible for
the effects of smog, which is a reduction in visibility due to scattering of light by
airborne particles. It may also cause offensive odours in addition to soil buildings
and monuments.
On man, air pollution is associated with respiratory and eye disease for example
asthma, lung cancer and conjunctivitis especially in young and elderly (UNEP/WHO
1992).
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies for example, lakes, rivers,
oceans and ground water. It occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly
discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful
compounds. Nairobi County is a county well equipped with industrial organizations
which has become a great concern on environment. Wastes from industries are

being channeled into the water especially rivers .This causes water pollution and
even threatening the survival of aquatic animals. The water becomes unfit for
human consumption and incase of consumption, several ailments are realized which
cause death as a result.
Management of sewages in Nairobi is also an issue that makes a great imapact on
environmental pollution in Nairobi county. The life of the residents especially those
staying in slums of Kibera is threatened because of the sewages. Sewages carry
microbial pathogens that are the cause of the spread of diseases.
Environmental pollution is a major problem affecting the stay of man on his home
called earth. Every person therefore, has the responsibility to maintain clean
environment and control environmental pollution at a higher level as they can.
Other major environmental problem is also partly caused by pollution. As a result
government and regulatory bodies have responded by taking actions against gross
polluting activities and enforcing tighter limits on emissions of pollutants into
environment in Nairobi county.
REFERENCES;
Brasseur,G.P and Pszenn,A(2001)Global Atmospheric Chemistry, Global Change
Newsletter,Pg7-9.
Ngugi,J.K(1980)Total Suspended particulates,Condensantion Nuclei and the Size
Distribution in
Nairobi,M,Sc.Thesis,University of Nairobi.
Rao,C.S(1991)Environmental Pollution Engineering, Wiley Eastern Limited, New
Delhi.