NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyans remain exposed to dangerous asbestos roofing in public buildings nearly two decades after its use was outlawed, Parliament has warned.
The National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee, chaired by Gachoka MP Muchangi Karemba, has sounded the alarm over the continued use of asbestos in schools, hospitals, police stations, and other institutions, despite a 2006 ban.
The warning follows a petition by Wajir North MP Ibrahim Abdi, who raised concern that thousands of Kenyans—including children—are at daily risk of exposure to the toxic fibres.
“Exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen, poses serious risks such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses,” Ibrahim told the committee, noting that while countries such as the United States, New Zealand, and Australia have eliminated asbestos use, Kenya has lagged behind.
Appearing before MPs, Ibrahim urged that removal be carried out by certified bodies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Health, given the dangers of mishandling the material.
He proposed that funding come from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund and international development partners.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa confirmed that NEMA has already surveyed 19 counties and issued guidelines for safe asbestos removal, but progress has stalled.
He cautioned that ageing roofing sheets were releasing hazardous fibres into the air, soil, and water, with entire communities at risk.
“The fibres do not just disappear—they remain in the environment for years, slowly poisoning people and ecosystems,” Duale said.
The committee’s report underscored that public awareness campaigns and regulations have failed to stop exposure, with asbestos roofing still present in schools, churches, hospitals, and homes.
It further warned that the continued threat violates Kenyans’ constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.
To address the crisis, MPs directed that within six months, NEMA must map all asbestos-roofed buildings in the remaining 28 counties and develop a national disposal plan in line with 2011 asbestos management guidelines.
The Ministry of Health was also instructed to conduct medical surveys in high-risk areas.
All asbestos roofing in public institutions must be removed within one year, under NEMA’s direct supervision, the report said.
The House is expected to debate the committee’s findings in the coming days, with lawmakers pushing for urgent action to protect public health.
