Abstract
While the use of chemical agents like teargas (CS gas) in public protest management is
common globally, their health, safety, and environmental risks remain poorly addressed
in Kenya. This article explores the adverse effects of teargas deployment in crowded
urban settings, with data from the World Health Organization, NEMA, OSHA Kenya,
and peer-reviewed toxicology studies. It calls for a comprehensive HSE framework for
civil unrest management in Kenya.

Introduction
Over the past two years, Kenya has witnessed a surge in demonstrations driven by
economic, political, and governance challenges. Law enforcement agencies have
responded with measures such as tear gas deployment, water cannons, and barricades.
While these tools are meant to manage crowds, the unregulated and indiscriminate use
of CS gas (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) raises critical Health, Safety, and
Environmental (HSE) concerns.
A recent report by Amnesty International (2024) observed that excessive force during
Kenyan protests has led to over 500 injuries and 28 deaths, many due to suffocation,
blunt trauma, and exposure to chemical agents.

What is CS Gas?
CS gas is a riot control agent commonly used worldwide. It is classified as a non-lethal
chemical weapon, but its impact on human health, especially in crowded, poorly
ventilated environments, can be profound.
WHO (2022) and The Lancet (2023) report that CS gas affects the body by activating
TRPA1 receptors in the eyes, lungs, and skin, leading to:
 Intense burning of the eyes and throat
 Bronchospasms, coughing, choking
 Skin inflammation and chemical burns
 Long-term respiratory distress, especially in asthmatic individuals
Notably, a study published in Toxicology Letters (2021) found that 15% of people
exposed to teargas during repeated protests developed chronic respiratory symptoms,
including wheezing and reduced lung function.

Health Effects in Vulnerable Populations
Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory
or cardiovascular diseases are particularly vulnerable. In Kenya’s informal settlements
— such as Kibra and Mathare — dense populations mean even peaceful residents are
exposed during protests.
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) noted a 19% increase in asthma-related
hospital visits in Nairobi during the July 2023 protests, directly linked to CS gas
exposure.
Environmental and Occupational Hazards
Teargas can contaminate:
 Soil and surface water through canister residue
 Air in poorly ventilated buildings
 Food in open markets, roadside eateries, and street vendor zones
This raises occupational health risks for informal traders, public service vehicle (PSV)
operators, health responders, and law enforcement themselves — many of whom lack
access to certified PPE or gas exposure training.
NEMA (2024) expressed concern that over 73% of used gas canisters in urban areas are
improperly disposed, posing risks of heavy metal leaching and long-term soil
degradation.

Legal and Policy Gaps in Kenya
Despite these risks, Kenya lacks specific HSE protocols for chemical agent deployment.
There are no nationally enforced exposure limits or mandatory environmental impact
assessments (EIA) before the use of riot control chemicals.
In comparison, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and European Union
recommend strict guidelines on:
 Deployment distances and timing
 Population density assessments
 Decontamination protocols
 Post-incident health monitoring
Kenya’s Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007, does not explicitly address chemical
agents used in public security operations.
Recommendations for Kenya’s HSE Stakeholders
To safeguard public health and meet international best practices, Kenya must take the
following steps:

1. National Guidelines on Chemical Crowd Control
    MoH, NEMA, and OSHA-K should jointly develop a Teargas Deployment
   Protocol
    Include threshold population density, wind direction modeling, and safe retreat
   zones
2. Mandatory Risk Assessments Before Deployment
    Real-time HSE risk assessments in protest zones
    Mapping of schools, hospitals, markets, and public water points in affected areas
3. First Responder and Police Training
    Develop OSHA-certified training on chemical agent management
    Equip police and Red Cross responders with respirators, gloves, eye protection,
   and emergency decontamination tools
4. Community Health Surveillance
    Mobile clinics should conduct lung function testing, mental health screening,
   and toxicology reports after major protests
    MoH should publish regular exposure impact reports
5. Environmental Management
    NEMA to enforce proper hazardous waste collection of gas canisters
    Train county governments on safe street cleaning and waste handling post
   protest

Conclusion
Public safety is not merely about control — it is about responsibility. Kenya must
acknowledge that teargas is not harmless. Its effects can be invisible, cumulative, and
deadly if left unregulated.
By integrating robust HSE policies in protest management, Kenya can uphold both
human rights and public health, ensuring that no citizen pays for democracy with their
lungs.
About the Author
Benjamin Makanda is a Health, Safety, and Environmental Consultant with over 10
years of experience in occupational health systems, industrial safety, and public risk
management. He is the Founder of Ultimate Solution Kenya, a consultancy firm
providing evidence-based HSE services to industries, NGOs, schools, and healthcare
institutions. He is a certified OSHA trainer, chemical safety auditor, and a passionate
advocate for public health reforms in Kenya.