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Kapsabet, nestled in Nandi County, Kenya, occupies a strategically significant position within the Rift Valley, approximately 20 kilometers north of Eldoret. Its coordinates (0.2000, 35.1000) place it at an elevation of roughly 2,100 meters (6,889 feet) above sea level, contributing to a generally cooler climate compared to lower-lying areas. The town’s geography is dominated by undulating hills and valleys, characteristic of the Kenyan highlands, with the surrounding landscape a mosaic of small-scale agriculture and tea plantations. This agricultural intensity, while vital to the local economy, introduces potential sources of air pollutants, particularly from burning agricultural waste and fertilizer application. Kapsabet sits on the edge of a significant urban–rural gradient; the town itself is a relatively small settlement, but it serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding rural communities. The proximity to the Kerio River, though not directly adjacent, influences local microclimates and humidity levels. There are no major industrial belts immediately surrounding Kapsabet, minimizing large-scale industrial emissions. However, the increasing use of motorcycles and small vehicles for transportation within the town and surrounding areas contributes to localized pollution. The terrain, with its hills and valleys, can also trap pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind speed, leading to localized air quality challenges. The valley orientation can funnel emissions, impacting air quality in specific areas of the town.

Kapsabet experiences a tropical highland climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons. The long rainy season typically spans from March to May and October to December, while the shorter dry seasons occur from January to February and June to September. Air quality in Kapsabet is significantly influenced by these seasonal shifts. During the wet seasons, increased rainfall generally helps to cleanse the atmosphere, washing away particulate matter and reducing overall pollution levels. However, agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and waste disposal, can lead to temporary spikes in smoke and particulate pollution, particularly in the months leading up to the main rains. The dry seasons, especially September and October, often see a build-up of pollutants due to reduced rainfall and increased temperatures. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, are more frequent during these months, exacerbating the problem. Fog, common during the cooler mornings of the dry season, can also trap pollutants, leading to reduced visibility and poorer air quality. Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of fog or agricultural burning. Children and the elderly are also more vulnerable and should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these times. The increased use of biomass fuels for cooking in rural areas surrounding Kapsabet also contributes to localized pollution, particularly during the dry season when firewood is scarcer.