The use of toxic firefighting foams at major airports in Kenya is set to end following the launch of a global initiative to phase out fluorinated foams.
The Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment (Fire) project, valued at $82.5 million (about Sh10 billion), will eliminate foams containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—hazardous “forever chemicals” linked to serious environmental and health risks.
The initiative is supported by a $10 million (about Sh1.2 billion) grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and $72.5 million (about Sh9 billion) in co-financing from partners.
“The Fire project shows how sector-focused action can drive the elimination of hazardous chemicals across value chains,” senior chemicals specialist at GEF Anil Sookdeo said.
“We hope this inspires the aviation sector to transition to PFAS-free firefighting foams.”
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Unep’s director for industry and economy division, said the project empowers countries to eliminate one of the most harmful pollutants in firefighting supply chains.
“It supports a practical transition to safer, accessible and affordable alternatives, proving that health and environmental protection can align with operational needs.”
The project will enable airports to replace toxic foams with fluorine-free alternatives without compromising safety. It is expected to facilitate the safe removal of 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated materials from fire trucks and the disposal of 130 tonnes of PFAS-based foam concentrate.
Kenya Airports Authority CEO and managing director Mohamud Gedi hailed the initiative as a milestone in protecting public health and the environment.
“By phasing out harmful PFAS chemicals, we are safeguarding our communities and contributing to a cleaner, safer future for all,” he said.
ICAO secretary general Juan Carlos Salazar said the agency is committed to supporting sustainable firefighting practices globally.
Rolph Payet, executive secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, described PFAS as “an invisible pollution time bomb that demands urgent, globally coordinated action”.
The Fire project is implemented by Unep, executed by ICAO and funded by the GEF. It is part of broader Unep-GEF programmes targeting persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to protect human health and the environment.
