Kenya Government Moves to Remove Asbestos from Schools and Hospitals

Kenyan Environment Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has announced an urgent initiative aimed at removing asbestos roofing from public facilities.

This is in response to escalating health concerns over asbestos-related conditions. During a presentation to the National Assembly Committee on Petitions, Duale set a deadline of December 30 for the replacement of asbestos roofs in government institutions. Asbestos has been banned in Kenya since 2006, however, Duale reveals that the hazardous material remains prevalent in numerous government buildings, schools, and hospitals.

He expresses concern over a rising trend in cancer cases linked to asbestos exposure, citing cases in countries like the USA and Australia where the use of the material has long been prohibited. Duale's directive, initially issued in August, established a three-month timeframe for the removal of asbestos roofing from government facilities. His alarm over the high incidence of cancer associated with asbestos exposure is compounded by its widespread usage in everyday environments, including compromised water supplies and household plumbing.

Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals recognized for its heat resistance and durability, was commonly used in construction until its health risks became widely acknowledged. The National Assembly received data indicating Nairobi County as the region with the highest concentration of asbestos-roofed structures, encompassing 92 affected public and private buildings, including notable institutions such as Kenyatta National Hospital and the British High Commission.

Additional counties significantly affected include Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, and Embu. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has compiled an inventory to assist in the government's strategy for the removal of asbestos roofing. Collaborating with the National Treasury, Duale's ministry aims to expedite this process.

To facilitate these efforts, NEMA has published guidelines for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos on its website, while also emphasizing the importance of educating county governments on these protocols to ensure proper management of asbestos waste. Earlier this year, Duale tasked NEMA with prioritizing the removal of asbestos from schools and private facilities. He urged compliance with NEMA's guidelines, which were created in partnership with health and safety agencies and last updated in 2013.