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.
An undated photo of a building roof made of asbestos Photo 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.
