NEMA Chief Summoned to Parliament Over Status of Asbestos Ban Implementation

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General Dr. Mamo B. Mamo appeared before a parliamentary committee on Thursday to present status reports regarding the national ban on asbestos.

The appearance took place before the Parliamentary Committee on Implementation Status of House Resolutions, where officials reviewed regulatory measures governing hazardous construction materials across Kenya.

Parliamentary members questioned the environmental watchdog chief on progress made toward executing earlier legislative resolutions calling for a complete phase-out of asbestos roofing sheets and products.

Asbestos materials were historically used in Kenya as roofing sheets for government housing, educational institutions, and public infrastructure projects due to their fire-resistant properties.

The material poses serious health risks, particularly malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer, when fibers become airborne during degradation, maintenance work, or unsafe handling procedures.

During the committee session, legislative representatives evaluated regulatory frameworks, safe disposal guidelines, and the timeline for removing existing asbestos structures in public facilities nationwide.

Proper handling requires specialized removal procedures, protective gear, and dedicated disposal sites to prevent toxic dust exposure to construction workers and neighboring communities.

The National Environment Management Authority continues oversight over industrial waste, environmental impact assessments, and enforcement of safety codes governing hazardous building materials in the sector.

Environmental regulators and lawmakers discussed challenges surrounding safe disposal costs, public awareness campaigns, and coordination among state agencies responsible for public buildings.

Contractors and developers in Kenya must follow strict environmental guidelines when rehabilitating older properties containing asbestos sheets to ensure complete safety and containment.

The committee meeting underscores ongoing parliamentary scrutiny over executive implementation of legislative directives aimed at protecting public health within the built environment.