Under the leadership of Hon. Godana Doyo and Committee Member Mr. William Nairuko, the National Environmental Complaints Committee (NECC) conducted investigations in Narok County following multiple complaints of environmental degradation.
As part of the mission, the team paid a courtesy call to the County Commissioner, Mr. Kipkech Lotiat, and held a consultative meeting with key environmental stakeholders to address the region’s pressing environmental concerns. Discussions focused on the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect and restore the natural environment.
During the investigations, the team responded to complaints regarding numerous car washes operating directly within River Narok, particularly along its central stretch. These unregulated operations pose significant threats to public health, aquatic life, and the riparian ecosystem, due to the direct discharge of oil, detergents, and other harmful chemicals into the river.
Moreover, the team conducted an investigation in the upper zone of the county in response to a complaint concerning unrehabilitated burrow pits left behind following sand harvesting activities.
NECC emphasized the need for immediate enforcement action and called upon NEMA, the County Government, WRA, and other relevant agencies to intervene, enforce environmental regulations, and protect both the health of surrounding communities and the integrity of riparian ecosystems.
In Kisii County, the investigative team led by Hon. Godana Doyo, Chairperson of the Committee, and Committee Member Mr. William Nairuko, undertook a series of engagements to address pressing environmental concerns.
One of the key issues examined was a case of land degradation allegedly resulting from the extraction of murram by Aztech Technology Ltd for road construction activities. The team conducted field assessments to evaluate the extent of environmental damage and reviewed compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
Additionally, the team investigated the unlicensed operations of companies engaged in the production of plywood, including ZHYUN Kenya Limited and Yuanchang Wood Industry. These entities were found to be emitting hazardous fumes into the environment, posing a risk to public health and ecological sustainability.
Following these findings, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) issued Immediate Improvement Notices to the implicated companies. This enforcement action marks a critical step toward strengthening environmental compliance and promoting responsible industrial practices within the region.
In Kisumu County, led by Committee Member Mr. Brian Onderi, the team undertook investigations into the following environmental concerns:
- Discharge of effluent into River Kibos by Kibos Distillers Limited.
- Unsustainable sand harvesting in Kajulu, Kanyakwar, Nyakach, Usoma Beach, Kolwa Central, Miwani, Mbaka Oromo, North Kapuonja, and North Seme.
As part of the engagement, the team paid a courtesy call to the County Commissioner, Mr. Benson Leparmorijo, followed by a consultative meeting with key environmental stakeholders in the county.
The team visited Central Seme, where a public baraza was held with representatives of the Nyagoon Self-help Group to deliberate on the adverse impact of sand harvesting on River Nyagoon. The team then visited Ang’ola Sub-county to further assess the extent of environmental degradation caused by sand harvesting, where we engaged with officials from the County Government and local village elders.
The team further conducted a visit to Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd in Kisumu County, where we held a meeting with company representatives to deliberate on a complaint concerning the discharge of effluent into River Kibos, with specific emphasis on the release of vinasse.
The engagement was followed by a comprehensive assessment of the facility to evaluate compliance with environmental standards and determine the extent of the alleged discharge
In Kakamega County, the investigative team led by Committee Member Mr. Ernest Kioko, HSC, conducted field inquiries into cases of unregulated gold mining activities in two key regions: Kakamega South (Ikolomani) and Kakamega East (Shinyalu).
As part of the official engagement, the team paid a courtesy call to the County Commissioner, who was represented by the Deputy County Commissioner. This was followed by a stakeholder consultative meeting attended by a broad representation of agencies, including officials from the mining sector, public health authorities, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The engagement aimed to address the environmental and public health risks associated with unregulated mining activities and to initiate coordinated actions for compliance and sustainable resource management.
The team then visited Vihiga County to address a number of environmental complaints received from the region. As part of the official protocol, the team paid a courtesy call to the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Vihiga County.
Subsequently, a consultative meeting was held with key county stakeholders, including representatives from the County Government, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Ministry of Mining and Geology.
The discussions focused on two major concerns:
- Unregulated artisanal gold mining that poses significant environmental, health, and social challenges.
- Sand harvesting activities taking place adjacent to Isaku Junior School. The extraction significantly compromised the safety and well-being of the students, as the school has lost its designated playing ground.
- Land degradation caused by uncontrolled excavation activities for brick-making.
