Our Blog

By Rittah Okello

In the heart of Kenya, beneath the vast blue skies, countless homes, schools, and hospitals stand as shelters of safety and hope. But for decades, many of these buildings have harbored a silent threat—asbestos roofs. Once praised for their affordability and resilience, these roofs now tell a different story—one of danger, outdated choices, and the urgent need for change.

A Hidden Danger Revealed

For years, families gathered under these roofs, unaware of the invisible fibers drifting through the air. Teachers taught in classrooms lined with asbestos, patients recovered in hospitals shielded by it, and rainwater trickled from these sheets into household tanks. But science has since uncovered the bitter truth: asbestos is a silent killer. Prolonged exposure leads to devastating illnesses—asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer—diseases that steal breath, time, and lives.

In August 2024, Kenya took a bold stand. The Ministry of Environment declared that asbestos roofing must go—giving public and private buildings just three months to remove and replace it. The message was clear: Kenya’s safety cannot wait.

A Challenge for Every Community

While national statistics show only 0.2% of homes still use asbestos, some regions, like Bomet County, face a steeper climb at 2.9%. Schools, hospitals, and churches built in the 60s, 70s, and 80s are among the most affected. The question is no longer if we should act, but how—how to remove asbestos safely, how to replace it affordably, and how to ensure no Kenyan is left behind in this critical transition.

Mabati Rolling Mills: A Partner in Change

At Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM), we believe every Kenyan deserves a roof that protects, not harms. That’s why we’re stepping forward—not just as a roofing solution manufacturer & supplier, but as a partner in this national mission.

• Expert Guidance: Our team doesn’t just sell roofs—we listen, assess, and recommend the safest, most durable alternatives tailored to your needs.
• Safe Removal: Asbestos disposal must be handled with care. Through trusted partners, we help connect you with licensed professionals who remove it safely, keeping families and workers protected.
• Affordable Solutions: Change shouldn’t break the bank. With flexible financing options through partners like KCB Bank & variety of solutions, we make safer roofing accessible to all.
• Built to Last: Our roofing solutions are KEBS-certified, resistant to harsh weather, and backed by warranties—because safety should stand the test of time.

Take Likoni Mall, for example. Once burdened with asbestos, it now stands stronger and safer, shielded by MRM’s TekdekIT5 roofing solution, in a shed of blue to match the ocean — proof that change is possible.

Beyond Compliance— A commitment to Kenya’s future

This isn’t just about following regulations. It’s about rewriting Kenya’s story—one where no child breathes in toxic fibers in their classroom, no family drinks rainwater tainted with asbestos, and no worker risks their life on an old rooftop.

With climate change bringing fiercer rains, harsher sun, and stronger winds, the need for reliable, non-toxic roofing has never been greater. At MRM, we see a future where every roof over every Kenyan is a promise of safety, strength, and sustainability.

Join the Movement

 The time to act is now. Whether you’re a homeowner, a school administrator, or a business owner, your choice today shapes Kenya’s tomorrow.

Visit your nearest MRM Service Centre or call us at +254788202020 for a free consultation. Together, let’s replace danger with durability, fear with security, and asbestos with hope—one roof at a time.

Because every Kenyan deserves a safe place to call home.

Mabati Rolling Mills—Building a Safer Kenya, Together.