The Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale has ordered the removal of all asbestos roofs in the country.
In a directive given to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, CS Duale has directed that all asbestos roofs must be brought down within three months.
Duale, in his ultimatum, asked hospitals and other private facilities that have asbestos roofs to adhere to the directive.
Defending his policy directive, Duale cited public health concerns, thus directing all the building owners to act.
“The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale, has today directed NEMA to map out facilities with asbestos roofing countrywide to ensure they are removed.
“The facilities, including schools and other private establishments, will have the next 3 months to remove asbestos. Citing public health safety concerns, he stated that he has already written to public institutions with such roofing to remove them and dispose of them in line with NEMA guidelines,” a statement from NEMA read in part.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a versatile material that finds use in various construction aspects, such as soundproofing, ceilings, tiles, and insulation materials, among others.
They are mostly found in government institution roofs, including hospitals, universities, and education centres, as well as coffee and tea estates and county government offices.
Despite its popularity, asbestos usage was banned in the country in 2006 due to its carcinogenic effects.
However, some households and even facilities have continued to use this material unaware of the extent of toxic fumes they may be inhaling.
With the latest order, NEMA is expected to carry out a nationwide mapout exercise aimed at getting rid of asbestos roofs.
Duale issued the policy directive after meeting with senior NEMA officials. To enhance the operations of the authority, the CS stated that he will fast-track the gazettement of 13 Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) regulations currently pending.
He further outlined the pivotal role the authority plays in the management of the environment. He added that an error of omission or commission could have a far-reaching effect on the health of the public. As such, staff must abide by high standards to safeguard the environment.
Other orders
Besides the asbestos removal order, CS Duale further instructed NEMA to keep updating the list of wetlands countrywide so that appropriate action can be undertaken.
He further challenged them to enhance revenue collection to be able to cater for its operations and discharge optimal services to the public.
PICTORIAL: Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale's familiarisation visit to NEMA Head Office in Nairobi; accompanied by Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ng'eno. pic.twitter.com/0jQvPtPDCM
— Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry (@Environment_Ke) August 28, 2024
“NEMA must enforce the law to ensure the environment is protected and safeguarded. All facilities in the 47 counties must be brought under compliance,” Duale stated.
He also warned those discharging raw sewerage into Nairobi rivers. Duale directed NEMA to engage Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company to ensure that raw sewer does not get into the rivers from burst sewer lines.
