The National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee has raised alarm over the continued use of asbestos roofing in public institutions across the country, directing immediate nationwide action to phase it out within a year.

The Committee, chaired by Muchangi Karemba, made the call while tabling its report in the House following a petition by Wajir North MP, Hon. Ibrahim Abdi, who in 2023 sought a complete ban on asbestos roofing.

Health Risks of Asbestos

Abdi told the Committee that despite Kenya outlawing asbestos roofing in 2006, the hazardous material remains in use in schools, hospitals, dispensaries, police stations, and other facilities, many built with donor support.

He warned that asbestos exposure is linked to serious health risks including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases.

“Asbestos has been banned in 55 countries, among them the USA, New Zealand, and Australia. Kenya cannot afford to continue exposing its citizens to this deadly substance,” Abdi said.

The Wajir North legislator further recommended that removal efforts be spearheaded by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Health to ensure safe disposal.

He also suggested tapping into resources from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and development partners to replace the roofs with safer alternatives.

Government Response

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who also appeared before the Committee, confirmed that NEMA had already surveyed asbestos roofs in 19 counties and issued removal guidelines.

However, he noted that replacement efforts have been slow, leaving many communities vulnerable.

“Deteriorating asbestos sheets release fibres into the air, contaminating soil and water and exposing nearby populations to grave health dangers,” Duale cautioned.

Committee Findings

In its findings, the Committee observed that the pace of asbestos removal has been “unacceptably slow,” despite existing regulations and public awareness campaigns.

It noted that failure to address the issue undermines Kenyans’ constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.

Key Recommendations

The Committee recommended 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.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health was directed to conduct medical surveys in affected regions to assess health impacts and provide necessary interventions.

“All asbestos roofing in public institutions should be removed within one year, with NEMA mandated to oversee and supervise the process,” the report stated.

The House is expected to debate the report in the coming days, paving the way for what could be Kenya’s most extensive asbestos removal programme since the 2006 ban.

The National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee Members during the discussion on removal of Asbestos on government buildings in Nairobi. PHOTO/ Parliament of Kenya, Facebook.