Tuberculosis is the fifth leading cause of death in Kenya, according to the Ministry of Health. While efforts to curb, manage and contain the prevalence of TB in Kenya are laudable and continue to be supported by government health policies and goodwill from both state and non-state actors, more needs to be done.

Hazardous medical waste management in Taita Taveta County is not ideal. There are medical facilities especially those at the county level that do not have adequate medical waste management systems, or if they do, they are not able to handle waste appropriately. The situation is an environmental and public health issue. 

At Moi County Referral Hospital, the TB Health Clinic is housed in the same building as the incinerator,  the medical disposal protocol puts TB patients at risk and exposed to a possibility of regression. 

Continuous exposure to toxic fumes can adversely affect patients and staff. 

Environment Management and Coordination Act, clearly stipulates how hazardous waste should be treated. 

While waste management  is a devolved function, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment and NEMA must work together to ensure medical waste does not become a tragedy.

Article 42 of Kenya's constitution guarantees citizens the right to a clean and healthy environment. This right must be protected. 

This petition calls upon:

1. Taita Taveta Governor declares the housing of the TB Health Clinic, its operation and location within the same building as the medical waste incinerator at the Moi County Referral Hospital, a public health hazard and appropriate measures put in place to relocate the TB Health Clinic.
2. The National Environment Management Authority takes appropriate action, including prosecuting waste handlers and those incharge of waste management at the Moi County Referral Hospital and immediately address the medical waste issue. 
3. The Ministry of Health issues guidance on proper hazardous waste management including providing necessary infrastructure.  
4. The Director, Moi County Referral Hospital and the Taita Taveta County Health Director to ensure that the waiting area for the TB patients, now more than 200 meters away from the TB Health clinic is brought closer to their treatment area at the Moi County Referral Hospital TB clinic.
5. The County Assembly to ensure that the fight against Tuberculosis is supported by ensuring the relocation of the TB Health Clinic at the Moi County Referral Hospital and implementation of laws on hazardous waste as outlined in EMCA ACT  is implemented to the letter.