Members of Parliament have called for urgent action for the nationwide removal of all asbestos roofing, citing its health risks.
During a committee meeting on September 23, the committee stated that despite the ban on the use of asbestos for roofing by the government decades ago, there are buildings still using it.
Appearing before the Committee, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) had carried out a survey in 19 counties and issued guidelines on safe removal.
Duale informed the lawmakers that asbestos roofs still exist in many public facilities, adding that it is due to slow replacement.
He warned that deteriorating sheets release fibres into the air, contaminating soil and water and endangering communities.
The committee directed NEMA to identify asbestos-roofed buildings in the remaining 28 counties and develop a national disposal plan aligned with the 2011 Asbestos Management Guidelines within 6 months.
The committee also asked the Ministry of Health to conduct medical surveys in affected areas to assess health impacts and provide necessary interventions.
It also urged that all asbestos roofing in public institutions be removed within one year, with NEMA mandated to oversee and supervise the process.
This call followed the Public Petition by Wajir MP Ibrahim Abdi, which was tabled on September 28, calling for the ban of its use as a roofing material.
Abdi raised concerns about the use of asbestos roofing in schools, hospitals, dispensaries and police stations, and public buildings. He stated that many of which were constructed with donors' support.
Petitioner noted that 55 countries, among them the USA, New Zealand, and Australia, have outlawed asbestos use but Kenya is still using material in several parts of the country even after the government banned it in 2006.
The lawmaker added that the use of this roofing poses risks such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and other respiratory illnesses.
The House will be expected to debate the Committee's report in the coming days.
