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Makuyu, nestled within Murang’a County, Kenya, occupies a geographically significant position along the Thika-Sagana highway. Situated at coordinates -0.9183, 37.2148, the town lies approximately 75 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, acting as a crucial market and administrative centre for the surrounding agricultural region. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys, part of the larger Kenyan Highlands, with an elevation around 1,600 meters. This altitude influences temperature and precipitation patterns. The town is not directly adjacent to a major body of water, though the River Tana flows nearby, impacting local humidity and potential for localized fog formation. Makuyu’s air quality is heavily influenced by its position within a predominantly agricultural zone, specifically tea and coffee plantations, with associated pesticide use and biomass burning for land preparation. A gradual urban-rural gradient exists, with increasing population density and associated vehicle emissions closer to the highway. The surrounding landscape, dominated by dense vegetation, generally aids in some pollutant dispersion, but valley locations can experience pollutant trapping, particularly during temperature inversions. The proximity to Nairobi also means some long-range transport of pollutants is possible, though less significant than closer industrial areas.

Makuyu experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern, defining its ‘seasons’ rather than the traditional four. The ‘long rains’ typically occur from March to May, bringing increased humidity and washing away some particulate matter, generally resulting in improved air quality during this period. However, increased agricultural activity – land preparation and planting – can lead to localized biomass burning, creating temporary spikes in PM2.5. The drier period from June to October sees a build-up of dust and increased reliance on solid fuels for cooking, impacting indoor and outdoor air. November to February constitutes the ‘short rains’, again offering some cleansing effect, but also coinciding with the harvest season and associated agricultural waste burning. Temperature inversions are common during the cooler nights of the dry seasons, trapping pollutants in the valleys. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these periods. Fog formation, particularly in the mornings during the cooler months, can exacerbate particulate matter concentrations. Months of June, July, and August are generally less favourable for outdoor activity due to dust and potential for stagnant air.