The National Assembly Public Petitions Committee has called for immediate action to eliminate asbestos roofing across Kenya, highlighting the severe health risks posed by the material despite a ban nearly 20 years ago.
The move comes as concerns grow over the continued use of asbestos in public institutions, including schools, hospitals, dispensaries, and police stations.
The push follows a petition by Wajir North MP, Ibrahim Abdi, tabled in the House on 28th September 2023, seeking a ban on asbestos roofing. The petition raised alarms over the persistent presence of asbestos in buildings, many of which were constructed with donor support.
Abdi emphasized that exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen, can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. He noted that countries such as the USA, New Zealand, and Australia have already banned its use, yet Kenya continues to see asbestos in use despite the ban introduced in 2006.
During his appearance before the committee, Abdi stressed that removal should be handled by specialized agencies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Health to ensure safety.
He proposed that funding for replacing asbestos roofs with safer alternatives be sourced from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and development partners.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Aden Duale, also briefed the committee, acknowledging that while NEMA had conducted surveys in 19 counties and issued guidelines for safe removal, asbestos roofs remain widespread due to slow replacement efforts.
He warned that deteriorating sheets release harmful fibres into the air, contaminating soil and water and putting communities at risk.
The committee, in its report to the House, observed that despite awareness campaigns and existing regulations, the removal of asbestos has been alarmingly slow. Schools, hospitals, churches, and residential homes continue to expose Kenyans to dangerous fibres, undermining their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.
To address the issue, the committee recommended that within six months, NEMA should identify asbestos-roofed buildings in the remaining 28 counties and develop a national disposal plan based on the 2011 asbestos management guidelines.
The Ministry of Health was tasked with conducting medical surveys in affected areas to assess health impacts and provide necessary interventions. The committee further urged that all asbestos roofing in public institutions be removed within one year, with NEMA supervising and monitoring the process.
The House is now expected to debate the committee’s report in the coming days, with lawmakers urging swift action to protect public health.
