NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Chemical Society (KCS) has raised concerns over the government’s recent directive to remove asbestos roofing across the country, calling for strict adherence to recommended disposal procedures to avoid public health risks.
This follows an order by Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who issued a three-month ultimatum for the removal of all asbestos roofs, citing significant health hazards associated with the material. Duale warned of legal consequences for non-compliance.
Speaking at the KCS 11th International Conference held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Fredrick Keng’ara, chairman of KCS’s Western Kenya chapter, cautioned that improper removal of asbestos could lead to further contamination, endangering public health.
“We must ensure that asbestos removal is done in a way that doesn’t create a bigger health problem,” Keng’ara said.
He stressed that the government must clearly outline where the hazardous waste will be disposed of to prevent the contamination of other areas.
Keng’ara, a professor at Bomet University College, also questioned whether the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which was assigned the task by Duale, has the necessary resources to safely and effectively oversee asbestos removal across the country.
“Despite the ban on asbestos use in Kenya in 2006, the removal of existing asbestos structures has been slow, largely due to the high costs involved. NEMA established protocols, but building owners bear the financial burden for safe removal, which has delayed progress,” Keng’ara noted.
He further urged the government to extend its efforts beyond roofing materials, targeting other asbestos-containing products like brake pads, which are often disposed of carelessly, posing significant public health risks.
At the conference, KCS member Joseck Alwala from Kibabii University called on the government to incorporate waste management into the national education curriculum, starting from early childhood.
He argued that teaching proper disposal practices from a young age could help address the broader waste management crisis.
Alwala also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and KCS, urging the authorities to leverage the expertise of scientists within the society to develop long-term solutions to Kenya’s waste management challenges.
This follows an order by Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who issued a three-month ultimatum for the removal of all asbestos roofs, citing significant health hazards associated with the material. Duale warned of legal consequences for non-compliance.
Speaking at the KCS 11th International Conference held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Fredrick Keng’ara, chairman of KCS’s Western Kenya chapter, cautioned that improper removal of asbestos could lead to further contamination, endangering public health.
“We must ensure that asbestos removal is done in a way that doesn’t create a bigger health problem,” Keng’ara said.
He stressed that the government must clearly outline where the hazardous waste will be disposed of to prevent the contamination of other areas.
Keng’ara, a professor at Bomet University College, also questioned whether the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which was assigned the task by Duale, has the necessary resources to safely and effectively oversee asbestos removal across the country.
“Despite the ban on asbestos use in Kenya in 2006, the removal of existing asbestos structures has been slow, largely due to the high costs involved. NEMA established protocols, but building owners bear the financial burden for safe removal, which has delayed progress,” Keng’ara noted.
He further urged the government to extend its efforts beyond roofing materials, targeting other asbestos-containing products like brake pads, which are often disposed of carelessly, posing significant public health risks.
At the conference, KCS member Joseck Alwala from Kibabii University called on the government to incorporate waste management into the national education curriculum, starting from early childhood.
He argued that teaching proper disposal practices from a young age could help address the broader waste management crisis.
Alwala also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and KCS, urging the authorities to leverage the expertise of scientists within the society to develop long-term solutions to Kenya’s waste management challenges.
