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Nanyuki School to replace Asbestos Roof
Nanyuki Boys High School in Laikipia County has started removing cancer-causing asbestos from the roofs of classrooms. This is according to the school's Board of Management chairman Robert Mungai.
The chairman also said that the school had engaged the national Environmental Management Authority (Nema) to provide guidelines on the safe removal of the asbestos roofing.
This action follows Nema's order to replace the roof due to the serious risks of cancer posed by asbestos. "The sheets wear off naturally and since they date back so many years to the colonial period, they now pose health risks to the school," Laikipia county Nema director Fanuel Mosago said. He further warned that water collected from the roof can cause cancer. The asbestos fibres accumulate in the body and inhalation of fibres can cause lung cancer.
"We are advising anyone else with asbestos roofing to remove it and seek guidance so that they don't cause harm to other people when disposing them of," he said.
Although there is no law explicitly banning the use of asbestos in Kenya, Legal Notice No. 121 of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006 classified asbestos as a hazardous substance specifically focusing on the handling and disposal of asbestos waste. The Legal Notice which came into effect in 2006 together with the existing environmental and public health laws effectively limit the use of asbestos in construction but many houses and public facilities still have asbestos roofs and drainage systems installed earlier. Property owners have been advised to remove the asbestos although this has been delayed primarily due to lack of funds with the replacement expected to cost around Ksh. 500 million.
When left intact, and undisturbed, asbestos materials do not pose a health risk. It becomes a problem when, due to damage, disturbance, or deterioration over time, the material releases fibres into the air. Exposure to air containing the fibres increases the risk of inhaling the fibres and developing serious chronic health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The removal of asbestos therefore needs to be done cautiously and in accordance with the guidelines provided by Nema to reduce the risk of exposure to the fibres. Any person who has any intentions of removing or decommissioning and disposal of any asbestos material is required to consult the guidelines on procedures including undertaking Environmental Impact Assessment, a risk assessment and obtaining necessary approval and advice.
According to the guidelines, asbestos waste must be disposed of at Nema approved disposal sites only and should be buried as deep as practically possible to accommodate more asbestos waste but at least one (1) metre above water table. A disposal sites should also be completely fenced off with a lockable gate which shall be locked at all times and a clear warning notices stating "Asbestos hazard area, keep out" placed at the disposal site.
More details are available in the Nema Asbestos Disposal Guidelines are available Here
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"pageTitle": "Environmental Protection in the Workplace: Why Small Actions Matter",
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"pageCont": " Environmental Protection in the Workplace: Why Small Actions Matter
\r\n\r\n \r\n Environmental protection is often discussed in broad terms, but real impact starts at the workplace.\r\n Everyday activities such as waste disposal, chemical handling, and energy use directly affect the environment.\r\n This article explains how environmental management fits within HSE and why consistent action matters more than good intentions.\r\n
\r\n\r\n What Environment Means in HSE
\r\n \r\n In the context of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), the environment is more than forests and oceans.\r\n It refers to the surroundings in which an organization operates and the impact its activities have on them.\r\n
\r\n \r\n This includes air quality, water usage and discharge, waste generation, noise levels, vibration, and energy consumption.\r\n Every workplace functions like a small ecosystem, and whatever is released into it eventually accumulates.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Common Environmental Risks in the Workplace
\r\n \r\n Many environmental incidents begin as minor issues that are ignored or postponed.\r\n Over time, these small problems grow into serious environmental hazards.\r\n
\r\n \r\n Common risks include chemical spills and leaks, poor waste segregation, excessive dust and emissions,\r\n oil contamination of soil or drainage systems, and uncontrolled noise from machinery.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Why Environmental Protection Is an HSE Priority
\r\n \r\n Environmental damage has direct financial and operational consequences for organizations.\r\n Cleanup costs, regulatory fines, production shutdowns, and loss of operating licenses can severely impact business continuity.\r\n
\r\n \r\n In addition, environmental incidents damage public trust and corporate reputation.\r\n A single spill or pollution event can undo years of positive brand image.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Environmental Controls That Work
\r\n \r\n Effective environmental management does not rely on complex systems.\r\n It depends on consistency and accountability.\r\n
\r\n \r\n Key controls include proper waste management plans, spill prevention and response procedures,\r\n regular environmental inspections, employee environmental awareness training,\r\n and the use of safer and environmentally friendly materials.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Role of Employees in Environmental Safety
\r\n \r\n Environmental protection is a shared responsibility.\r\n While management sets policies, employees play a critical role in day to day implementation.\r\n
\r\n \r\n Employees should report leaks immediately, follow waste disposal procedures,\r\n minimize unnecessary energy use, handle chemicals correctly,\r\n and actively participate in environmental training programs.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Benefits of a Strong Environmental HSE System
\r\n \r\n Organizations that prioritize environmental management experience measurable benefits.\r\n These include reduced operating costs, improved regulatory compliance,\r\n safer and healthier work environments, and enhanced corporate reputation.\r\n
\r\n \r\n Environmental protection is not an optional responsibility.\r\n It is a strategic investment in long term sustainability.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Conclusion
\r\n \r\n Protecting the environment is not about perfection.\r\n It is about making responsible choices consistently.\r\n
\r\n \r\n A strong HSE environmental management system focuses on practical actions,\r\n accountability, and continuous improvement.\r\n When environmental protection becomes part of everyday work culture,\r\n both organizations and communities benefit.\r\n
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"pageTitle": "Shoe Factory closed over pollution and unsafe working conditions",
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"pageCont": "Six top managers of a shoe-making factory based in Machakos, Eastern Kenya were Tuesday arrested for ignoring an order requiring them to appear in court on accusations of polluting the environment.
\r\nAt the same, the Machakos County government closed down the factory, Walker Industries, located in Mavoko, and hundreds of workers ordered to go home until further notice.
\r\nAn arrest warrant was issued by a Mavoko court in March after the managers failed to appear in court to answer to charges of environmental pollution and failing to improve the working conditions of their workers. The managers were at pains explaining why they had not complied with the law, five years after the Chinese owned company was constructed.
\r\nMachakos Governor Alfred Mutua accused the company of being among factories in the area that are polluting River Athi. He accused officials of national and county governments of failing to enforce a warrant of arrest issued against the management of the company.
\r\n\"It has also been disturbing to find that workers do not have protective gear and operate dangerous machines exposing them to harm,\" said Dr Mutua during a press briefing after an impromptu visit of the company.
\r\nA recent report by Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources highlighted massive pollution of River Athi which is the source of water for millions of people downstream. The committee established that the water was causing health and economic challenges to people living along the river.
\r\n\"I give the companies that are breaking the law 30 days from today to comply with directives given to them by my government and also by Nema (National Environment Management Authority) and other agencies.
\r\n\"It does not matter how big your investment is; if you are not adhering to the set laws and regulations, we are going to shut you down and lock you up,\" said the governor, adding that no one is above the law.
\r\nSome high-end estates in the area were also put on notice for dumping raw sewage into the river. The estates include 360 Apartments, Kings Gate, River Park estate, Grace Park estate and Lifestyle Gardens among others.
\r\n\"These estates do not have sewer systems. All the raw sewage is poured into the river and it has caused ill-health to people downstream. We will arrest the adult residents of those estates for criminal activities if they do not comply,\" said Dr Mutua.
\r\nThe owners were directed to conform to the law within 45 days or their houses will be demolished.
\r\nSource: Daily Nation
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"pageID": null,
"pageTitle": "NEMA shuts five companies over pollution",
"pageSlug": "nema-shuts-five-companies-over-pollution",
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"pageCont": "The National Environmental Management Authority has shut five factories in Nairobi's Industrial Area for discharging dangerous effluent to the environment.
\r\nDuring the crack down, five people whose premises were discharging raw sewage to the environment were arrested. Among those arrested are Siraj Sharrif (Supervisor of Mas Tanners Ltd), Benard Nyamae (Supervisor of Nairobi Tanners Ltd) and James Kamorho (Supervisor of Far Horizon Hides and Skins).
\r\nThe three were detained at the Lang’ata Police Station and are expected to be arraigned in Kibera Law Courts on Friday.
\r\nCompanies served with notices for closure include: Africa Apparel Ltd, Mas Tannery, Far Horizon Hides and Skins, Amin Tanners and Nairobi Tanners Ltd.
\r\nA source at Nema told the Star the firms affected were polluting the environment with toxic waste. The authority has been undertaking inspections on illegal discharge of raw sewage into the environment.
\r\n\"The exercise is meant to weed out companies discharging untreated waste water into sewer lines or the environment that mainly ends in rivers,\" the source said.
\r\nThe source said Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company was given restoration orders to repair manholes. \"Several manholes in the area belonging to the firm are not in good shape.\"
\r\nOn April 16, Nema closed three companies Nairobi's south over emission of toxic gases. The authority took the action after investigations following complaints from residents of South B and C. Residents had been complained of a pungent smell since March 5. They blamed the smell for hospitalization of at least four children. Companies closed were Powerex, Edible Oil and Usafiplus.
\r\nSource: The Star",
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"pageDesc": "The exercise is meant to weed out companies discharging untreated waste water into sewer lines or the environment that mainly ends in rivers",
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"pageID": null,
"pageTitle": "Three Companies in Nairobi shut down for Toxic Emissions",
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"pageCont": "The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has closed three companies indefinitely following claims that they have been emitting toxic gases in Nairobi South area.
\r\nThe move comes after Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko last week Monday ordered for the immediate investigation into persistent emission of toxic gases at night by some industries in the area.
\r\nThe three companies Powerex Company, Edible Oils Company and Usafiplus Company located along Mombasa Road were closed to allow Nema and City Hall conduct further investigations into the issue.
\r\n\"Yes, three companies have been closed down indefinitely to allow for further investigations into the matter. We want to keep investigating and tracking the process to make sure no company resumes operations without being given a clean bill of health,\" said Tobiko on Wednesday.
\r\nThe Environment CS had directed both NEMA and the National Environmental Complaints Committee led by Dr. John Chumo to send a team to the ground and prepare a preliminary report to be presented back to him. This followed complaints by the residents living along Mombasa Road of the lethal emissions that had led to the hospitalization of four children as well as leaving others suffering from nose bleeding, persistent coughing, vomiting and sore eyes, among other complications.
\r\nMr. Tobiko said he had received the report from the investigations which were led by Dr. Chumo leading to the decision to close the companies indefinitely to allow for more investigations.
\r\n\"We are committed in the fight against pollution of any form and stern action will be taken against those found culpable of polluting the environment and putting lives of residents in danger,\" he said.
\r\nTwo weeks ago, City Hall had also warned the more than 20 factories operating in the area that they will be closed and owners prosecuted if they continue emitting the toxic gases into the environment.
\r\nNairobi County Environment chief officer David Makori said that some two companies have been adversely mentioned by residents as suspected to have been releasing the deadly emissions.
\r\nNairobi county Assembly majority whip and South B MCA Waithera Chege said that a report on the closure of the companies will be tabled before the House next week Tuesday after MCAs come back from their short recess.
\r\n\"Following the closure of the companies, normalcy had resumed and I have not received any complaints from residents of more emissions. However, this is not the end of the investigations because closing them is one step towards finding a closure into this matter. We want those responsible to held accountable,\" said Ms Chege.
\r\nAlthough reasons for the indefinite closure of Powerex and Edible Oils have not been given, Usafiplus, a waste management company, was shut for operating without a license following a site inspection by NEMA.
\r\nA report by NEMA indicated that the company in Industrial Area was incinerating medical and industrial waste albeit without a licence and had not conducted any environmental audit since 2016.
\r\nThe other reasons put forward were that workers at the facility were working without any protective gear, lacked records of stock emissions or air quality assessment as well as records of incoming and incinerated waste.
\r\n\"Based upon the findings, your facility should stop further operation of the facility until it meets the required standards and is licensed by NEMA. The management should also report to the NEMA offices at Nyayo House with all the relevant documents,\" read in part the report signed by Veronica Maina, a NEMA inspector.
\r\n\r\nSource: Nairobi News
\r\n",
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"pageDesc": "The other reasons put forward were that workers at the facility did not have protective gear, lack of records of stock emissions or air quality assessment.",
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"pageID": null,
"pageTitle": "Factories on notice over Water Pollution",
"pageSlug": "factories-on-notice-over-water-pollution",
"headline": null,
"isRoot": "1",
"pageCont": "The Environment ministry yesterday warned factories and individuals against discharging effluent into water bodies.
\r\nAccording to the Environment Cabinet Secretary, Keriako Tobiko, the ministry has instructed the National Environment Management Authority to punish those culpable including prosecution of culprits and closure of industries.
\r\n\"We'll shut down the industries discharging effluent into the rivers and destroying people's lives. This must stop,\" he said.
\r\nTobiko said there should be no excuse for individuals or entities to discharge waste or effluent into Lake Victoria.The law will be applied without fear or favour. \"Nema should map out all these polluting sources, serve those not served with notices and then undertake aggressive arrest, prosecution and legal action.\"
\r\nThe CS urged the Judiciary to support the war on pollution and ensure no company is granted orders to continue operations. \"We have a case where one factory actually got a court order to continue operations after the ministry undertook corrective actions against them,\" he said.
\r\nKisumu residents have protested against discharge of effluent into Lake Victoria. They accused Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries of endangering their lives and those of their animals.
\r\nLate last year, Environment Court Judge Stephen Kibunja ordered the closure of the mill over massive pollution of River Kibos and its surroundings. Benson Adega, Eric Ochieng and Bether Opiyo sought the orders. They said the company was emptying effluent into the river - the main source of water for Kisumu East residents. The firm was ordered to stop milling, producing power and distilling alcohol, pending conclusion of the case.
\r\nThrough lawyer Frank Olel, however, it sought orders allowing its operations. It said the closure would put more than 2,000 employees out of work. Olel said the firm pays more than Sh1 billion to the county in taxes every year.
\r\nTobiko planned to visit the company. \"I'm a lawyer myself. I don't want to encroach on the territory of the judicial system. I want to look at the order and proceedings.\"
\r\nMAGNAM Environmental Network had also appealed to the county and Nema to stop the release of raw sewage into River Saka. They blamed Kodiaga Prison for the problem.
\r\n",
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"pageDesc": "Tobiko said there should be no excuse for individuals or entities to discharge waste or effluent into Lake Victoria.",
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"pageTitle": "Hydrogen fuel cell trains to run on British railways from 2022",
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"isRoot": "1",
"pageCont": "Hydrogen-powered trains could run on British railways as early as 2022, as plans to introduce fuel cell technology to the network gather pace.
\r\nFrench rail multinational Alstom and UK rolling stock operating company (ROSCO) Eversholt Rail Group have today unveiled the design for a new hydrogen fuel cell train for the UK market. Based on the tried-and-tested British Rail Class 321, the fuel cell trains, nicknamed \"Breeze\", will bring zero-emission hydrogen tech to parts of the UK that still run on diesel.
\r\n\"Hydrogen train technology is an exciting innovation which has the potential to transform our railway, making journeys cleaner and greener by cutting CO2 emissions even further. We are working with industry to establish how hydrogen trains can play an important part in the future, delivering better services on rural and inter-urban routes,\" said Andrew Jones MP, UK Rail Minister.
\r\nBy converting the electrical multiple units (EMUs) to what Alstom describes as a hydrogen multiple unit (HMU), the Paris based firm will combine the efficiency and practicality of the existing rolling stock with the versatility and environmental benefits of hydrogen fuel cells.
\r\nThe conversion work is expected to take place over the next three years at Alstom's Widnes facility, with the first trains projected to run as early as 2022.
\r\n\"The Breeze will be a clean new train for the UK with a stylish, modern look,\" said Nick Crossfield, Alstom UK & Ireland Managing Director.
\r\nThe railways need to decarbonise and the Government has rightly set out a goal to eliminate diesel rolling stock by 2040. Hydrogen trains offer an ideal solution for routes which are unlikely to benefit from electrification, and our innovative engineering solution means they can now fit within the UK loading gauge and can quickly be ready to roll on Britain's railways.
\r\n\"In Germany, Alstom's hydrogen trains are already transporting passengers in the comfort and quiet that is characteristic of these trains. The Breeze offers British rail users the opportunity to share in the pleasure that is a journey on a hydrogen train.\"
\r\nThe trains will be converted by Alstom and then owned by Eversholt, which will then lease them to rail operators. They are unlikely to be of much use on networks with widespread electrification (such as those found in the South East of England) but in areas without third rails or overhead lines, the HMUs will deliver much-needed zero-emission mobility.
\r\nHydrogen fuel cell trains are already in passenger use in Germany
\r\n\"Eversholt Rail has an enviable record of innovation across its rolling stock portfolio,\" Said Eversholt Rail Client Relations Director Stephen Timothy.
\r\n\"Combining the experience gained from the successful Coradia iLint and Class 321 Renatus programmes will deliver a hydrogen-powered multiple unit product that will meet sponsors' and train operators' aspirations for the earliest possible fleet introduction\"
\r\nA hydrogen fuel cell works by converting hydrogen into electricity, which can then be used to run an electric motor. The 'emission' from this process is pure, drinkable water, making it a non-polluting power source for cars, trains and other vehicles. Further advantages over battery-electric technology include the rapidity with which a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle can be 'recharged' a couple of minutes (roughly the same as a petrol car) in comparison to several hours for a BEV.
\r\nThe hydrogen fuel cell Class 321 trains should offer better space for passengers than diesel ones
\r\n\"Transport in the UK has evolved over centuries from the world's first steam train to the tens of thousands of electric vehicles on our roads today thanks to our nation of innovators,\" said Claire Perry MP, UK Minister for Energy and Clean Growth.
\r\n\"This new hydrogen powered train, which will only emit water, is further proof of the UK's continued creativity to transform the way we travel as we continue to move to a greener, cleaner economy. The UK is on track when it comes to growing a world-leading hydrogen economy, and through our modern Industrial Strategy we are providing £23 million to power our ambition to be the go-to place for first-class hydrogen transport.\"
\r\nArticle was first published in The Telegraph
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