The Environment Cabinet Secretary, Deborah Barasa, has ordered the immediate removal of roofing material made of asbestos on all buildings.
In a gazette notice dated June 5, 2025, the CS said that asbestos has been classified as a restricted chemical, and roofing made of this component poses a significant health risk.
Asbestos roofing can pose health risks primarily because it can release tiny, dangerous fibers into the air when damaged or disturbed.
These fibers, when inhaled, can cause serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
According to Barasa, owners of all buildings, facilities, and premises will be required to conduct the safe removal and disposal of the roofing material as stipulated "under paragraph 1 of Part I of the Sixth Schedule to the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Management of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Materials) Regulations, 2024."
"Resolved that each proprietor, owner, operator, or person in charge of any buildings, premises, or facilities shall be safely removed therefrom and safely dispose of all roofing materials containing or composed of asbestos, and that such safe removal and disposal shall be in accordance with sections 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, and 63 of the Act and paragraphs 2 (1) (c) and 3 (12) (k) of the Second Schedule to the Act," the CS said.
According to the CS, the move will not only be pivotal in mitigating health risks associated with the exposure of asbestos but will also reinforce the country's cleanliness and environmental fitness.
The CS has, however, not issued an ultimatum on when building owners should have removed the material.
"Cognizant that every person has a right to a clean and healthy environment under Article 42 of the Constitution and affirming that the right to a clean and healthy environment is reflected in the provisions of section 3 of the Act," the notice read.
This marks the second time this year the government has ordered the removal of these carcinogenic materials, which have been used for roofing in the country for decades.
On Tuesday, March 11, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was ordered by the Cabinet to supervise the removal of asbestos from all public and private facilities.
''To enhance public health and safety, the Cabinet has approved a nationwide asbestos removal initiative from all public and private facilities to mitigate health risks associated with asbestos exposure,'' read part of the dispatch by the Cabinet.
''Under the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle, property owners will bear the cost of removal. The government anticipates that this initiative will reduce future disease burden, cut healthcare costs, and enhance environmental safety.''
