Nakuru, Kenya - Egerton University is engaging with the Nakuru County Government to address the challenge of disposing asbestos waste generated from its old structures undergoing renovations. The 84-year-old institution is undertaking this initiative in line with the guidelines of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and aims to involve the public in establishing a safe disposal site.
According to Kenya News Agency, The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Kibwage, mentioned that the discussions are focused on seeking the county's help to establish a permanent disposal pit for the hazardous material. This pit, to be sealed with concrete, is intended to prevent the asbestos from coming into contact with humans, animals, water, and the atmosphere. Despite Kenya banning the use of asbestos in 2006 due to health risks, it is still found in water piping systems and roofs across the country.
Professor Kibwage raised this concern during talks with Governor Susan Kihika regarding the establishment of the County Aggregation Industrial Park (CAIP) at the university's Ngongongeri farm within Njoro Sub-County. The proposed industrial park, a collaboration between the university, county, and national government, will span 200 acres, divided equally between the CAIP and an Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
Highlighting the health risks of asbestos, Professor Kibwage emphasized the need to train workers renovating old buildings on safe handling and disposal of asbestos materials. He assured that the university would adhere to all NEMA regulations in disposing of the waste.
Responding to these concerns, Mr. John Kihagi, County Executive Committee Member in charge of Lands, Housing, and Physical Planning, stated that the county is identifying areas where asbestos is still in use. He noted that Nakuru has already eliminated asbestos materials in over 70 percent of its public institutions and that Nawassco is replacing old asbestos water pipes.
Mr. Kihagi stressed the health hazards associated with improper handling of asbestos and the strict guidelines in place for its disposal. He mentioned the cultural challenge of Kenyans reusing removed asbestos for other constructions, underscoring the need for its burial in cement to prevent environmental contamination.
The WHO reports significant global exposure to asbestos, leading to numerous deaths annually from related complications. The international movement to ban asbestos began over four decades ago due to public health concerns in heavily affected countries.
In Kenya, asbestos roofing sheets continue to be used in private homes, government institutions, educational centers, and county offices, despite the known health risks, including increased lung cancer rates.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Feed the Future (FTF) Ghana Policy LINK Activity, is to offer year-long assistance to Charity Akortia, the 2023 National Best Farmer, and Edith Akosah Wheatland, the 2023 National Best Female Farmer. Additionally, 18 other female award winners at the 2023 National Farmers' Day at the national, regional, and district levels will also receive support. This was in a statement issued by the FTF Ghana Policy LINK Activity and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tamale. The statement said, 'This initiative builds upon the successful assistance extended to the first cohort of 20 outstanding women in agriculture acknowledged at the 2022 Farmers' Day programme.' It said following last year's collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Policy LINK and its partners would offer a comprehensive leadership, advocacy, agribusiness development training package, and study tour to the second cohort of national, regional, and dis trict women in agriculture. It said the training package would be curated in line with this year's theme of 'Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience' and be tailored to the capacity needs of the awardees. It added that Policy LINK would facilitate their active participation in key agriculture stakeholder engagements throughout 2024. The statement said 'The first cohort of women awardees received a five-day leadership, advocacy, and agribusiness training and study tour led by USAID/Ghana through the FTF Ghana Policy LINK Activity, in collaboration with MoFA, FTF Ghana Mobilising Finance in Agriculture Activity (MFA) and Absa Bank Ghana Limited. It said Policy LINK also facilitated their participation in agriculture policy and stakeholder events for exposure and networking while providing day-to-day mentorship and technical support through its gender point of contact. It said 'Throughout 2023, the women demonstrated remarkable determination by implementing lessons learned to enhance their agribusinesses and leadership roles. They leveraged their influence to advance women's involvement and participation in the agriculture policy space, aiming to champion their fellow women's inclusion and active engagement within Ghana's agricultural policy processes while amplifying their contributions to the sector's growth and food security.' It added that 'One of the significant outcomes of these efforts was the formation of the Ghana Association of Female Agricultural and Fish Farming Award Winners (GAFAFAW). This association, a collective decision by the women awardees, was established with funds raised by the women and stands as a testament to their commitment.' The statement expressed the FTF Ghana Policy LINK Activity's commitment to helping selected women awardees at the National Farmers' Day event for the next three years to achieve greater inclusion. It added that 'Through this initiative, Policy LINK aims to facilitate and support these women leaders in agriculture to hone and lev erage their leadership toward advancing women's involvement and participation in the agriculture policy space to improve conditions in the sector for various vulnerable groups including youth and persons with disabilities.' The FTF Ghana Policy LINK Activity is a five-year Activity that supports the Government of Ghana in strengthening policy development, adoption, and implementation to inspire sustainable, agriculture-led economic growth, strengthen the resilience of people and systems, and create a well-nourished population, especially women and children. Source: Ghana News Agency