In a decisive move to address public health concerns, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale, has issued a directive for the removal of asbestos roofs from facilities nationwide.
This mandate requires schools and other private establishments to complete the removal process within the next three months.
During his inaugural visit to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) headquarters, CS Duale emphasized the importance of this action for public health safety.
He announced that letters have been sent to public institutions with asbestos roofing, instructing them to remove and dispose of the material in accordance with NEMA guidelines.
Accompanied by Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno, Permanent Secretary of the State Department of Environment and Climate Change, CS Duale held a meeting with NEMA’s Board of Directors, Management, and staff.
The discussions focused on critical issues impacting the Authority’s operations and the need for improved environmental management.
To enhance NEMA’s effectiveness, CS Duale committed to fast-tracking the gazettement of 13 pending Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) regulations.
He underscored the Authority’s crucial role in environmental stewardship and warned that any oversight could have significant public health repercussions. Consequently, he stressed the need for high standards of conduct among NEMA staff to protect the environment.
CS Duale was briefed on the mapping of 12,300 wetlands across the country and urged NEMA to continuously update this list to ensure timely and appropriate action. He also called for improvements in revenue collection to support the Authority’s operations and service delivery.
As Kenya’s Designated National Authority (DNA) for Carbon markets, CS Duale highlighted the importance of rigorous registration and management to align with climate change obligations under the Paris Agreement.
He stressed the need for NEMA to enforce environmental laws and ensure compliance across all 47 counties, urging County Directors of Environment to streamline the licensing process.
Additionally, CS Duale addressed concerns about raw sewage discharge into Nairobi’s rivers, directing NEMA to work closely with Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company to prevent contamination from burst sewer lines.
NEMA Vice Chair Sophia Matura, representing Chairman Emilio Mugo, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges through the implementation of laws and partnerships.
Director General Mamo B. Mamo echoed this commitment, noting progress in enhancing environmental compliance through regular enforcement actions.
CS Duale’s directives mark a significant step in advancing Kenya’s environmental protection efforts and ensuring safer public spaces across the country.