Despite the government banning asbestos roofing materials in 2006 over its linkage to cancer, its pervasive use has persisted, posing significant risks to communities nationwide.
However, it might take more years for the country to fully rid itself of the material.
Asbestos is a versatile material that various construction aspects utilize, including soundproofing, ceilings, tiles, and insulation materials, among others.
Consequently, the National Assembly Public Petitions Committee on April 23, received a Petition from Wajir North Member of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Abdi, regarding the banning of asbestos as a roofing material in the country.
The Petitioner alleges that despite the government banning the use of asbestos in 2006, it had done little towards replacing the structures that had already been constructed using the material prior to the Ban.
Abdi also stated that most of the public institutions in his constituency were still using asbestos as roofing, unaware of the dangers that it posed to their health.
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Asbestos are used more in Public Institutions
Further, the legislator argued that many Kenyans residing or working in such buildings remain unaware of the extent of toxic fumes they may be inhaling due to the presence of asbestos roofing.
Abdi mentioned public institutions affected including schools and hospitals which he says are beneficiaries of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) projects in the area.
Therefore, the Petitioner asked Parliament through the Committee to investigate the matter and compel the Government through the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the department of Public Health to intervene and have the Cancer-causing agents replaced.
The MP also prayed that the Committee tasks the two authorities with the role of developing safe mechanisms for the disposal of hazardous material to prevent it from contaminating the environment.
The Lawmakers on their part asked the petitioner to provide statistical data that would assist the Committee in looking into the matter, promising to treat the Petition with the urgency that it deserves.
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“We want to thank you for bringing this report before the Committee. Cancer has become a number one Killer in the country and therefore this Petition is timely and of great importance,” declared Hon Sitienei.
Why the Roofing Materials are Dangerous
Asbestos materials are considered cheap, and readily available alternative for roofing.
Studies on the dangers of asbestos reveal that countries with a history of its production and consumption showed a high incidence of asbestos-related diseases and pronounced levels of asbestos particles in the environment.
According to NEMA, asbestos material should be buried in the ground and encased in cement to prevent it from seeping into the ground and contaminating the soil and possibly water aquifers.
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