Restrict lead Chromate to end ongoing exposures: The University of Nairobi hosted the culmination of of the 13th International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action held on October 24, 2025, at Chiromo Campus. TThe event brought together Sponsors, police makers, regulator, key stakeholders, global communities, lead alliance partners united under the global theme “No Safe Lead Levels—Act Now to End the Exposure.
Presiding over the event, Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Kithure, the Second Lady of the Republic of Kenya, called for stronger action to eliminate lead in all forms, warning that the heavy metal continues to endanger millions of Kenyans. “Lead is not merely an entry on the Periodic Table; it is a silent predator, invisible, odourless, and relentless,” she said. “It infiltrates our homes through peeling paints, our schools through crumbling walls, and even in our children’s toys. There are no safe levels of lead, and it must be removed from all goods and spaces accessible to citizens.”
Dr. Kithure, who is also a scientist and senior lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, emphasized that lead poisoning remains a “silent public health crisis,” particularly among children. She urged the government, industries, and research institutions to work collaboratively to achieve a lead-free Kenya through stricter enforcement, improved waste management, and public education. “Government action alone is not enough,” she said. “It is the synergy between researchers, policymakers, industries, and communities that will deliver real change.”
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance, Planning and Development, Prof. Jackson Maalu, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to translating research into life-saving policies. He commended the Department of Chemistry under the leadership of Prof. David Kariuki and Dr. Faridah Were for their continuous scientific advocacy. “The transition to a lead-free Kenya is not merely a regulatory exercise; it is a declaration of our values,” he said. “The health of the next generation is the ultimate measure of our national commitment.”
Prof. David Kariuki, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, noted that the University has served as the local coordination point for the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action for over a decade. He recognized partners such as WHO, UNEP, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Basco Paints, and the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) for their sustained collaboration. “Our strength has been the synergy between research and implementation,” he said, while acknowledging Dr. Faridah Were’s role on the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint Advisory Council.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Associate Dean Prof. Sheila Okoth highlighted the Faculty’s central role in tackling environmental health challenges through research and innovation. “As the nation’s premier institution of higher learning, our mission goes far beyond the classroom,” she said. “Lead elimination demands continuous research and the commitment of the next generation of scientists.”
Representing industry, Mr. Kamlesh Shah of Basco Paints reaffirmed the company’s commitment to producing 100% lead-free paints, aligning with global safety standards. He lauded the University of Nairobi for its role in guiding scientific innovation and capacity building within the sector. “Innovation and responsibility can move forward together,” he said. “Every manufacturer must be held accountable to safeguard public health and environmental safety.”
Ms. Tabitha Orwa, representing the Kenya Bureau of Standards, outlined the country’s progress since the 2016 adoption of the 90 parts per million (ppm) lead limit in paints—now harmonized under the East African Community framework. She noted that over 80% of paints tested in Kenya comply with this limit, a milestone driven by continuous surveillance, laboratory testing, and regional cooperation. “Each data point represents a healthier child and a safer community,” she said. “Regulation must live beyond paper; it must protect lives.”
A highlight of the event was from Dr. Faridah Were, a Principal Investigator, whose latest UoN study sponsored by the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) revealed alarming levels of both lead and chromium. This is despite significant collaborative efforts in banning lead paint. The study showed that 80% of the yellow road marking paints tested were non-compliant and exceeded the 90-ppm limit, with lead concentrations reaching as high as 18,509 ppm. The presence of high chromium levels (up to 4,509 ppm) confirms the widespread use of lead chromate. She also found that 25, 30 and 35% of oil-based paints used in homes in shades of green, red and yellow contained extremely high lead concentrations that exceeded the set limit, respectively. The study went beyond measurement of lead and chromium concentrations to survey and video interviews of paint manufacturers, who voiced the barriers that prevent them to transitioning to safer pigments that included:
- Safe alternatives, often organic materials, were reported to have poor performance and durability of external applications due to UV exposure.
- Non-toxic pigments are significantly more expensive than lead chromate derivatives
- International suppliers are often not interested in small markets like Kenya, limiting the availability of alternatives.
- Some manufacturers expressed a lack of technical know-how for reformulation and adequate testing procedures for non-toxic paints
Dr. Were in response, called for the restriction on the importation of lead chromate, terming it the most effective way to disrupt the toxic supply chain. “Sampling non-compliant paints from thousands of retail shelves is a losing battle,” she said. “A total ban at the point of entry will secure a lead-free future and protect the intellectual potential of Kenyan children.” She also mentioned incorporation of global phase-out using Rotterdam convention, which was supported by the Ministry of Environment by outlining the procedure of listing lead chromate to prior informed consent to restrict the global trade. The NGO, LEEP explained how they are supporting governments across Africa to enforce and offer technical support to transition to safer alternatives
The University of Nairobi Chemistry Students Association (UNCSA) added a creative touch to the week through digital performances that drew significant public attention. The top entries included the drama “Dust Eaters,” the spoken word piece “No Safe Lead Levels — Act Now,” and the poem “Beyond the Paints.” Ten organizations and one individual were recognized for their contributions toward the global phase-out of lead paint, receiving awards featuring WHO artwork adapted and designed by UNCSA. The celebrations concluded with the ceremonial cutting of a cake decorated with the logos of sponsors and key stakeholders, symbolizing unity in the mission to end lead poisoning.
As the curtains closed on the 13th International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action, the University of Nairobi once again demonstrated the power of science-led advocacy in shaping national policy. Through its partnerships, research, and student engagement, the University continues to champion a cleaner, safer, and lead-free Kenya—protecting not only today’s citizens but the generations to come.
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