The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is facing increasing legislative scrutiny over delays in removing ageing asbestos roofing from public infrastructure and enforcing regulations governing the safe handling and disposal of the hazardous material.
Despite Kenya's historical ban on asbestos use, introduced in 2006, deteriorating asbestos roofing remains present in schools, hospitals, government housing and other public facilities across the country. The continued presence of the material has prompted lawmakers to demand faster action and greater accountability from NEMA. [Sources: KTN News Kenya · Mjengo Hub · Kenyans.co.ke]
Parliament Demands Faster Phase-Out
Lawmakers and parliamentary committees have repeatedly summoned NEMA Director General Dr. Mamo B. Mamo to explain the slow nationwide phase-out of asbestos roofing.
Parliament has directed public institutions to accelerate the removal of asbestos roofs, with NEMA expected to supervise the process and ensure that institutions comply with environmental and safety requirements. [Sources: Mjengo Hub · Kenyans.co.ke]
Public institutions have also been given a one-year period to remove asbestos roofing, placing additional pressure on government agencies and other property owners to begin the necessary works. [Sources: Nation Africa · Kenyans.co.ke]
Property Owners Expected to Pay
Under the "Polluter Pays" principle, property owners are expected to meet the costs associated with removing asbestos from their buildings.
However, financial constraints have contributed to delays, particularly for institutions and property owners that lack sufficient resources to undertake the costly removal and disposal process. [Sources: NEMA Kenya · Construction Kenya]
The financial burden has become an important part of the debate, as authorities seek to balance the need for urgent removal with the costs involved in safely handling and disposing of asbestos materials.
Health Risks Raise Concern
The continued presence of deteriorating asbestos roofing has also raised public health concerns.
As asbestos-containing materials age and deteriorate, they can release microscopic fibres into the surrounding environment. When inhaled, asbestos fibres can cause serious and potentially fatal diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
The risk becomes particularly concerning when old roofing materials are damaged, improperly removed or disposed of without appropriate safety precautions.
Illegal Dumping Adds to the Problem
Concerns have also grown over the illegal disposal of asbestos waste.
Reports of clandestine dumping near residential areas have highlighted the risks associated with removing asbestos without proper environmental controls. Improper disposal can expose communities and waste handlers to hazardous fibres while potentially contaminating surrounding land and water resources. [Sources: Kenyan Wall Street · Nation Africa – Asbestos Waste · NEMA Kenya]
The illegal dumping of asbestos therefore adds another layer to the country's broader challenge of managing the legacy of asbestos use.
Strict Rules for Removal and Disposal
NEMA requires asbestos removal and disposal to be carried out under controlled conditions.
Any activity involving the removal or disturbance of asbestos-containing material must be preceded by a formal risk assessment and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by appropriately licensed experts. [Source: The Star – NEMA Asbestos Disposal Guidelines]
Disposal sites must also meet environmental and safety requirements. Among the requirements is that disposal pits be located at least one metre above the local water table, following appropriate hydrogeological and environmental assessments. [Source: The Star – NEMA Asbestos Disposal Guidelines]
These measures are intended to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres and reduce the risk of contamination during transportation, handling and final disposal.
Need for Coordinated Action
The parliamentary scrutiny reflects growing concern that Kenya's asbestos legacy is becoming an environmental and public health challenge that requires a coordinated national response.
NEMA, public institutions, property owners, contractors and local authorities all have roles to play in ensuring that asbestos is identified, safely removed and properly disposed of.
With Parliament pushing for faster removal and NEMA responsible for overseeing environmental compliance, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Kenya can accelerate the long-delayed phase-out while preventing hazardous asbestos waste from entering residential areas and other uncontrolled disposal sites.
For detailed procedures and compliance requirements, property owners and institutions can consult the official NEMA Asbestos Management Guidelines.
Sources: NEMA Kenya · KTN News Kenya · Nation Africa · Kenyans.co.ke · The Star · Construction Kenya
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