Gov’t Bans Asbestos Roofing In Kenya, CS Duale Gives 30-Day Ultimatum
Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale directed on Wednesday that all facilities with asbestos roofing, including schools and other private establishments, remove it within 30 days.
While issuing the directive, CS Duale revealed that asbestos roofing poses significant health risks and warned directors of non-compliant institutions of possible prosecution.
Duale went on to order the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure that all private and public institutions follow the new directive.
“NEMA must enforce the law to ensure the environment is protected and safeguarded. All facilities in the 47 Counties must be brought under compliance,” the CS stated.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary @HonAdenDuale orders public and private institutions with asbestos roofing to replace within three months or face prosecution for endangering lives pic.twitter.com/Lm6QI5OjI7
— State Dept For Environment & Climate Change (@EnviClimateC_Ke) August 28, 2024
The CS stated that he had already issued a notice to all public institutions with such roofing to remove and dispose of it.
CS Duale issued the orders while speaking during his first visit to NEMA headquarters, where he met with the Board of Directors to discuss critical issues affecting the Authority.
To improve the Authority’s operations, the CS promised to expedite the gazettement of 13 Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) regulations that are currently pending.
The CS also issued a notice to those discharging raw sewerage into Nairobi rivers, urging NEMA to engage the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company to ensure that raw sewer does not enter water bodies.
Be firm in enforcement of laws, CS Duale tells NEMA
— Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry (@Environment_Ke) August 28, 2024
Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has instructed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to be firm in the enforcement of environmental laws.1/3 pic.twitter.com/JblOFLj2zJ
NEMA Chairperson Emilio Mugo assured the CS that the Authority is committed to addressing various environmental issues through the implementation of various environmental laws.
Asbestos, which is commonly found in the roofings of various government institutions such as hospitals, universities, education centers, and coffee and tea estates, has been strongly linked to cancer.
Despite the 2006 ban on asbestos use due to its carcinogenic effects, some residential homes still have roofs made of the material.
Unfortunately, many Kenyans living or working in such buildings are unaware of the toxic fumes they may be inhaling as a result of asbestos roofing.
Gov’t Bans Asbestos Roofing In Kenya, CS Duale Gives 30-Day Ultimatum
