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Environment Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale yesterday outlined the government’s roadmap to eradicate the use of asbestos roofing amid growing health concerns.
Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Petitions, Duale revealed that government institutions and facilities across the country are the primary users of asbestos roofing. He emphasised accelerated plans to replace these roofs ahead of the December 30 deadline.
The Cabinet Secretary, who in August issued a three-month ultimatum for government facilities to remove asbestos roofing, expressed concern over the rising number of cancer cases linked to asbestos exposure.
“I don’t think that anybody uses asbestos roofing these days, yet you will find it in every village, hospital, government institution, and school,” Duale stated. “Fifty-five countries worldwide, including the USA and Australia, have banned asbestos as a roofing material. Kenya banned its use in 2006, but since then, no one has bothered to remove the roofing.”
He added: “Today, many Kenyans drink water contaminated by asbestos roofs, and the piping in their homes is made of asbestos. While I am not a medical expert, I can correlate the high cancer rates in our country to the use of asbestos roofing.”
Asbestos comprises a group of naturally occurring minerals with thin, durable fibres. It was traditionally used in building materials for insulation and fireproofing due to its heat resistance and strength.
Documents tabled before the House revealed that Nairobi County has the highest number of public and private facilities with asbestos roofing, totaling 92. These include Nairobi County Government offices, Kenyatta National Trading Corporation, Kenyatta National Hospital, the British High Commission, Kenya Railways, Kenya Commercial Bank (Kasarani), the National Cereals and Produce Board, and Kenyatta University.
Other counties affected include Kakamega with 19 facilities, Bungoma 13, Vihiga eight, Busia 26, Homa Bay 10, Kisii seven, Kisumu 19, Migori two, Nyamira five, Siaya six, Embu 32, Isiolo seven, Kitui 21, and Machakos 34. Additionally, Makueni has six, Marsabit nine, Meru 45, and Tharaka Nithi 16.
This data forms part of an inventory by the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) detailing public facilities with asbestos roofing and their quantities.
To expedite the removal of asbestos from public facilities, Duale announced that his ministry had commenced talks with the National Treasury to facilitate roof replacements in the identified institutions.
“We have also published guidelines on asbestos removal on the Nema website. Additionally, we are working with county governments to educate them on proper asbestos disposal to protect the environment and public health,” Duale added.
Earlier this year, Duale directed Nema to remove asbestos roofing from schools and private facilities within three months, emphasising that eliminating asbestos is crucial for ensuring public health safety.
He instructed public institutions with asbestos roofing to adhere to Nema guidelines for its removal and disposal. Nema developed guidelines for the safe management and disposal of asbestos in 2011, which were revised in 2013.
These guidelines were created with input from agencies such as the Ministry of Health, the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services, and the former City Council of Nairobi.
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