NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has approved a nationwide directive to remove asbestos from all public and private buildings, citing serious health risks linked to exposure to the hazardous material.
The decision, endorsed by the Cabinet on Tuesday, places the responsibility of removal and disposal on property owners under the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will oversee the process, ensuring safe handling and disposal, while county governments have been tasked with setting up designated disposal sites.
A statement from the Cabinet underscored the urgency of the initiative, emphasizing its role in reducing disease burden, cutting healthcare costs, and enhancing environmental safety.
Asbestos, banned in Kenya in 2006, remains widely used in roofing and insulation, particularly in older government buildings, schools, hospitals, and residential areas.
When damaged, asbestos releases microscopic fibers that, when inhaled, can cause severe respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and asbestosis.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale had previously directed all government institutions—such as Kenya Railways Corporation, Kenyatta University, and Kenyatta National Hospital—to remove asbestos roofing by December 31, 2024.
This followed a NEMA survey that identified Nairobi as having a high concentration of asbestos-laden structures.
“We cannot compromise on the health of our citizens,” Duale told MPs last year. “It is raining everywhere, and people are consuming water contaminated by these roofs. This issue has been ignored for too long, but this government will address it for the sake of public health.”
Despite earlier directives, efforts to phase out asbestos have stalled due to financial constraints.
Duale acknowledged that previous administrations failed to act, promising that the current government would fast-track the process.
“I will take a Cabinet memo to ensure we prioritize this matter at the highest level. Budget limitations cannot be an excuse when Kenyans’ health is at risk,” he said.
A NEMA report highlighted the continued presence of asbestos in key public institutions, including military barracks, schools, churches, and hospitals.
The Deliverance Church in Umoja, Nairobi, was cited as one of the affected sites.
The link between asbestos and serious illnesses, including lung, larynx, and ovarian cancers, has driven the government to act.
While the directive marks a major step toward public safety, questions remain on how property owners—particularly in low-income areas—will finance the removal.
With the deadline looming, enforcement and financial support mechanisms will be critical in ensuring compliance and preventing further public health risks.
