by James Kagai

06 August 2008

Nairobi, Kenya: I joined the UNV programme at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in May 2008. I am a UNV Programme Associate attached to the Global Atmospheric Pollution Forum project (GAPF), which is coordinated by DTIE-Urban Environment Unit (UEU), Nairobi, Kenya.

Air pollution is a global challenge, and for developing countries limited scientific data and policies on air quality affects how air pollution is managed. Borrowing from the experience of developed counties, the GAPF intends to support developing countries in air quality management through regional cooperation and the enactment of policies based on scientific data.

My main task is to provide support in the preparation of sub-regional conferences and national activities on air quality management in Africa. My daily work schedule involves country based research on air pollution issues (desk-study reviews), drafting air pollution agreements, and writing and reviewing proposals for national air pollution awareness activities in African countries.

The initial focus of our work is to bring together the African countries to develop sub-regional agreements on air pollution, and also support pilot projects on air quality monitoring and awareness activities. In this regard, a sub-regional workshop for the Southern African countries was held in March 2008 where a regional air quality management policy – the Lusaka Agreement – was adopted.

We are currently preparing for the Eastern Africa sub-regional workshop, which will be held in October 2008. We are also supporting two pilot projects on air quality monitoring in Accra, Ghana and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The results from the two projects show that particulate matter pollution (PM10 and PM2.5) is a major concern due to the adverse impact of such pollutants on human health and environment. Plans are underway to establish air quality monitoring stations in other major cities of Africa.

The UNV programme has given me the first opportunity to use my research skills after having recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning and Management from Kenyatta University, Kenya. Currently, there are three UNV volunteers in the unit. I should say that I am lucky to have joined a unit with other UNV volunteers. During my first days of work, my UNV colleagues were of great assistance in settling down. They were readily available to offer guidance on any issues or questions that I had.

When I reported at the unit for my first day of work, I had a bit of shock. It never crossed my mind that the rest of staff were expecting me or even knew my name, but everyone was like: "Hi James!" For the first weeks I had to get to know the tasks undertaken by all staff, so I went round the office for staff briefings; sort of an initial orientation. And everyone was quite eager to take me through the details of their work.
 
The work environment at the Urban Environment Unit is unique. The unit is a closely-knit working family, where the input of all the members is encouraged. The team spirit makes each one of us feel part and parcel of the unit, and we give our best to the achievement of the objectives.  We meet every Monday morning to set out the weekly activities and also to report on activities undertaken in the preceding week.

Recently, we went for a retreat at the Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha, Kenya. It was a time to bond, discuss and reflect on the activities undertaken and also make plans for future activities. In between the sessions we had outdoor activities such as hiking and golfing. It was the first time I held a golf club, which made the retreat an unforgettable experience.
   
Working as a volunteer, and moreover for a regional based project, is a unique experience. It has exposed me to the African region; learning about the various environmental challenges and the role of UNEP in addressing them. As a volunteer I have the opportunity to use my expertise for the benefit of the wider society, which provides the satisfaction that I have contributed positively to the betterment of mankind.