Calls for Nationwide Removal of Asbestos Roofs

BY ERIC ABUGA

The National Assembly Public Petitions Committee led by Muchangi Karemba has called for urgent action to phase out asbestos roofing across the country, citing its grave health risks despite a ban imposed nearly two decades ago.

This follows a Public Petition by Wajir North MP Ibrahim Abdi which was tabled in the House on 28th September 2023 calling for the Ban on the use of Asbestos as roofing material.

The petition raised concern over the continued presence of asbestos roofs in public buildings, including schools, hospitals, dispensaries, and police stations, many of which were constructed with donor support.

The petitioners argued that exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen, poses serious risks such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. Abdi noted that 55 countries, among them the USA, New Zealand, and Australia, have outlawed asbestos use.

He averred that despite Kenya banning the use of asbestos I roofing in the year 2006, the material still remains in use in several parts of the country.

When the petitioner appeared before the Committee, he informed the Members that removal efforts should involve specialized agencies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Health to ensure safe handling and disposal.

He further proposed that funds from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and development partners be used to replace asbestos roofs with safer materials.

Also appearing before the Committee, the then Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Aden Duale, confirmed that while NEMA had already undertaken surveys in 19 counties and issued guidelines on safe removal, asbestos roofs still exist in many public facilities due to slow replacement. He warned that deteriorating sheets release fibres into the air, contaminating soil and water and endangering communities.

After carefully considering submissions, the Committee in its report tabled before the House, observed that despite awareness campaigns and existing regulations, the pace of asbestos removal remained unacceptably slow.

It noted that schools, hospitals, churches, and homes continue to expose Kenyans to hazardous fibres, undermining the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.

In its recommendations, the Committee directed that within six months of the report’s tabling, NEMA should identify asbestos roofed buildings in the remaining 28 counties and develop a national disposal plan aligned with the 2011 asbestos management guidelines.

The Ministry of Health was also tasked to conduct medical surveys in affected areas to assess health impacts and provide necessary interventions.

Further, the Committee urged that all asbestos roofing in public institutions be removed within one year, with NEMA mandated to oversee and supervise the process.