Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has ordered the immediate removal of all asbestos roofing materials across the country, citing serious health risks.
In a gazette notice dated June 5, Barasa stated that asbestos, now classified as a restricted chemical, poses a significant danger due to its cancer-causing fibers, which can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer when inhaled.
“All owners, operators, and occupants of buildings must ensure the safe removal and disposal of asbestos roofing, in line with environmental regulations,” the CS said.
While no strict deadline was given, Barasa emphasized the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment and urged swift compliance.
The directive follows a similar move in March, when the Cabinet tasked NEMA with overseeing the nationwide removal of asbestos under the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle.
Property owners will bear the cost of removal as the government seeks to lower health risks and improve environmental safety.
