Kenya's Asbestos Removal Initiative: A Bold Step Forward

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News Summary

Kenya’s government, led by President William Ruto, takes decisive action to eliminate asbestos from public and private facilities to protect public health.

The Kenyan Government Takes Bold Steps to Eradicate Asbestos Nationwide

In a landmark decision during a recent Cabinet meeting, the Kenyan government has embarked on an ambitious initiative aimed at eliminating asbestos from all public and private facilities across the nation. This decisive move, led by President William Ruto, is motivated by a drive to significantly reduce exposure to the *known carcinogen*, which has long been associated with devastating health outcomes, including *lung cancer* and *mesothelioma*.

Addressing the Asbestos Legacy

Asbestos, a material extensively used in Kenya’s construction industry during the 1960s and 1970s, remains prevalent in numerous buildings, including government offices, hospitals, schools, and even water supply systems—despite a comprehensive ban on its use that was implemented back in 2006. This has raised significant concerns about public health, with Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasizing the urgent need to address the widespread use of asbestos roofing in various institutions.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has been assigned the crucial responsibility of overseeing the safe removal, disposal, and handling of asbestos. This includes a *nationwide mapping exercise* to identify facilities with asbestos roofing, ensuring its systematic removal. The government hopes that through these measures, a notable decrease in disease incidences can be achieved, leading to lower healthcare costs and an enhanced quality of life for all Kenyans.

Urgency to Remove Asbestos

In a powerful directive, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale ordered landlords to comply with the asbestos removal mandate within a strict 90-day timeframe. High-risk sectors such as hospitals and private facilities have been specifically targeted for immediate action to protect public health. Duale has also urged that infrastructure across all ministries must prioritize the swift removal of asbestos roofing.

Asbestos was once favored for its soundproofing qualities, but its dangers are now unequivocally recognized. The inhalation of *asbestos fibers* exposes individuals to severe respiratory diseases, prompting immediate government action. The new initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard citizens from the health risks associated with asbestos exposure and to promote a substantially healthier environment.

Challenges Ahead

While the initiative sets a clear and ambitious timeline, challenges loom large. The high costs associated with asbestos removal and disposal could prove problematic for many institutions. Previously, attempts to remove asbestos from schools encountered financial obstacles, with costs soaring to approximately Sh18 million. Property owners will be held financially accountable for asbestos removal, following the *’Polluter Pays’* principle, which may strain resources for some.

Additionally, the disposal of removed asbestos is crucial to avoid further health risks. To tackle this issue, county governments are required to establish designated asbestos disposal sites, aligning with constitutional guidelines. NEMA is being called upon to provide a comprehensive list of safe disposal sites within each county, thereby facilitating compliance.

A Call for Collective Action

The government’s vigorous directive is expected to galvanize various stakeholders, from county governments to private property owners, in a concerted effort to eliminate this hazardous material. Environment Cabinet Secretary Duale plans to fast-track the gazettement of 13 pending regulations under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) to further bolster protective measures.

Public attention has been increasingly drawn to the risks posed by asbestos roofs, particularly in hotspots like *Blue Valley Estate* in Nyeri town, where residents have voiced their concerns regarding health risks. The elimination of asbestos is not just a regulatory measure; it is a *moral imperative* to ensure the safety and well-being of all Kenyans.

Looking Forward

In essence, this pivotal initiative reflects Kenya’s commitment to addressing past health threats while fostering a safer environment for its citizens. By undertaking these extensive measures against asbestos usage and exposure, the Kenyan government seeks to pave the way for a healthier future—one built on the foundations of *public health*, *environmental safety*, and *sustainable practices*.

This historic decision could mark a turning point in Kenya’s public health narrative, motivating other nations grappling with similar issues to follow suit.