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We Must Do It Right from the Start: Kisumu Deputy Governor Owili Calls for Local Action at CLEAN-Air Forum 2025
Gerald Kombo
July 15, 2025
At the CLEAN-Air Forum 2025 in Nairobi, Kisumu County Deputy Governor Matthew Ocheung Owili issued a clear call to action on the importance of clean air, policy implementation, and grassroots engagement in environmental protection.
“We need to do it right from the first time,” Owili stated, emphasizing the critical need for Kenya’s cities to integrate environmental safeguards as they grow.
Addressing a room full of scientists, policymakers, and climate advocates, the Deputy Governor began by recognizing the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing air quality both locally and globally.
“Special recognition today are the men and women who have found it wise and dedicated their time and resources to think about the quality of the air that we breathe not just here in Kenya, but all over the globe.”
He applauded the work of the African Air Quality and Climate Observatory (AACO) for raising awareness on clean air and public health, and invited participants to feel at home in Nairobi.
“Nairobi is home to us. And we believe it’s also home to you.”
Deputy Governor Matthew Owili of Kisumu County delivers his remarks during the CLEAN-Air Forum 2025 in Nairobi. He called for greater policy implementation and local-level action to address air pollution across Kenya’s urban areas.
Understanding Kenya’s Governance Model
For international delegates unfamiliar with Kenya’s political system, Owili offered a brief explanation of the country’s devolved governance:
“We have the national government and 47 county governments. So we’re talking about 48 governments, one nation.”
He used the moment to extend greetings on behalf of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and welcomed all delegates to the capital city for the important environmental gathering.
Cleaner Cities Through Early Planning
Owili noted that while Kenya now has five cities an increase from four until recently many urban areas still lack the infrastructure and policies necessary to ensure clean air for their residents.
“If we can start to do it right from now, then that means when we go into bigger cities, like what we have elsewhere, we would have put mechanisms in place to ensure that our people have access to clean air.”
He emphasized the importance of research findings being translated into concrete action.
“A lot of research has been done. I believe that what remains is for the policymakers, such as myself and others sitting here, to put in place mechanisms to ensure that our environment is clean and that people in our jurisdictions have access to clean air.”
From Talk to Action
The Deputy Governor closed with a direct appeal for local action and practical implementation:
“If there’s any message you want to carry away from me, it’s that we need to put in practice what we have proven to work. What remains is action.”
He challenged each delegate to take personal and localized responsibility:
“Let’s see action in our localities, in our villages. If you do it in your corner, and I do it in mine, together we make the world a better place to live.”
Owili ended his remarks by expressing gratitude in both English and Swahili:
“Asanteni sana. Thank you very much.”