REPORT
Road Show: Intensified Campaign to Stop Manufacture, Sale and Use of Lead Paint
27th October 2018
Background
The International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action (ILPPWA) takes place annually in the last week of October since 2013. This year, Kenya joined the global community in marking the 6th ILPPWA between 21st and 27th October, 2018. The Department of Chemistry of the University of Nairobi as a Lead Paint Alliance organized series of activities within the week under coordination of Dr. Faridah Hussein Were and sponsorship of Basco Paint Company. The activities served as a platform to advocate for lead free paint in respect of national lead paint standard that is newly developed to regulate a maximum total lead content of 90 ppm. This year’s theme called for “Stopping the Importation, Manufacture, Sale and Use of Lead Paint”. It provided opportunities for various sectors to demonstrate their commitment towards phasing out of lead in paint.
The Events
1. Diverse Media that included The Standard Newspaper, 23rd October 2018, Daily Nation Newspaper 23rd October 2018; and Business Daily News, 22nd October 2018 supported and publicized the activities as follows:
• https://www.nation.co.ke/oped/opinion/Enforce-lead-poisoning-regulations...
• https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001300001/what-we-need-to-do-to...
• https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/analysis/ideas/Why-Kenya-must-move-t...
• https://afro.who.int/news/kenya-leads-africas-efforts-phasing-out-lead-p...
2. Among these events, Basco Paint Company gave a new lease of life to the Department of Chemistry in the College of Biological and Physical Sciences of the University of Nairobi by painting the exterior walls and parking bay using their lead free paint.
3. Postgraduate students in the Department of Chemistry analyzed some automotive, household and road marking paints using the ISO 6303 Standard for determination of total lead content to assess the levels of compliance.
4. The aforementioned activities culminated in a one-day road show event that took place on 27th October 2018 with involvement of several collaborators, lead alliance partners and diverse media. The event brought together over 300 participants from Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute, UN Environment, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Architectural association of Kenya, Kenya Chemical Society, Basco Paint Company, Centre for Environmental Justice and Development, Nairobi County Police, Eco-Ethics Kenya, University of Nairobi Staff, University Student Associations, Lead Paint Alliance Partners and other Key Institutions. The Kenya Chemical Society gave support of refreshments while UN Environment will assist in the global publicity of the event.
The Road Show Event
The road show event had two components that included the opening session at assembly point and participation on the roadway. The morning drizzle interrupted the outdoor assemble point and participants shifted to the corridors. The ceremony was started by the National Anthem that was led by the Police Band under the leadership of the Chief College Security Officer, Mr. Karimi. The distinguished speakers all of whom had extensive experience and knowledge in their respective fields participated in the opening session. Audience were sensitized about the contributions made by various sectors in phasing out of lead paint thereby creating opportunities for further action.
Opening Session
The Chairman, Prof. J. Onyari of the Department of Chemistry in his introductory remarks gave details of the activities of week and achievements. He appreciated the leadership of the event coordinator Dr. Faridah Were for the success of activities and sponsorship of Basco Paints. The Chairman of the Kenya Chemical Society, Prof. Githu followed by speaking about members initiatives towards elimination of lead in paint.
Representative from the Kenya Bureau of Standards, Mr. Peter Namutala spoke about how the standard regulates lead in paint, with special emphasis on the East Africa Draft Lead Paint Standard that is open for the public review. Arch. George Arabbu of the Architectural Association of Kenya was emphatic about their role as lead paint alliance in disseminating the related information to their members and clients. Mr. C. Siewe of UN Environment spoke about global perspective in elimination of lead in paints through participatory engagement with the audience.
The Managing Director of Basco Paint Company, the main sponsor, Mr. Kamlesh Shah, his discussion was about lead poisoning and its adverse health effects “With this in mind, we are committed to ensure that apart from quality performance of our paints, lead levels should not exceed 90 ppm.” This means that during our manufacturing processes we do not use leaded raw materials. We are very passionate about creating a platform to educate the public”,
Prof. B. Aduda, the Principal in the College of Biological and Physical Sciences of the University of Nairobi made his opening address, welcomed participants, and encouraged them to play their role effectively to ensure that we stop the Importation, Manufacture, Sale and Use of lead paints. The media on the ground included The Standard Newspaper, K24 Television and Milele FM Radio that captured the information.
Road Show Event on the Roadway Covering 12 km
After the group photo, the Managing Director of Basco Paint, Mr. K. Shah and the principal Prof. B. Aduda in a colorful ceremony flagged off the road show event. The event had over 300 participants led by the event organizers, Police Band and Police Riders. The University Red Cross were in the midst to give first aid in case of health emergencies. The participants were in a bid to sensitize and educate the public on the effects of lead poisoning and urged them to take to stop Importation, manufacture, sale and use of lead in paint. This information was relayed from various materials that included banners, posters, placards, caps, t-shirts, pronouncements of related information through megaphones, whistles among others. The walk covered 12 km through the University Way, Central Business District of Nairobi County through Koinange Street, Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, Heles-laisse Avenue, Ngong Road, Uhuru Park, Nyerere Road back to the Department of Chemistry.
The Chairman, Prof. J. Onyari gave some observations after the walk and Dr. Faridah Were, the event coordinator made concluding remarks and votes of thanks. The Master of Ceremony, Mr. C. Mirikau gave direction on the refreshments.
Link: https://www.banleadpaint.uonbi.ac.ke
By
Dr. Faridah Hussein Were
The Event Co-coordinator October 2018
Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry
