Police have arrested two people in Nairobi after they launched a crackdown to enforce National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regulations.
In a statement on Monday, September 18, NEMA confirmed arrests in Nairobi’s Eastleigh, for lack of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license.
“The National Police Service (NPS) have started enforcing the NEMA environmental regulations.
This is after a capacity building exercise by NEMA that saw senior police officers in Nairobi County sensitized on the enforcement of environmental laws.
Two people have so far been prosecuted for commencing a construction project without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence in Eastleigh, Nairobi County,” NEMA said in a statement.
The agency further warned Kenyans against a number of offences the operation will be focusing on in partnership with the police.
“Other areas being enforced by regular police includes: use of banned polythene bags, littering at undesignated points, open burning of waste, construction at night, noise pollution and illegal discharge into the environment.
NEMA through NPS will continue enforcing the regulations and members of the public are urged to comply with all the environmental regulations to avoid prosecution,” the statement added.
Moreover, NEMA Chairman Emilio Mugo and Director General, Mamo B. Mamo held talks with the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on areas of collaboration.
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During the meeting, they agreed to work together to enforce environmental regulations.
“The police will work with NEMA environmental inspectors to enforce these laws,” NEMA stated then.
According to Mugo, NEMA seeks to partner with the NPS for enforcement of more aspects of environmental crimes.
Areas that regular police will take control:
- Use of banned polythene bags,
- Littering at undesignated points,
- Open burning of waste,
- Construction at night,
- Noise pollution
- Illegal discharge into the environment.
Why have Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license?
Before one is issued the licence, there are several factors that are considered in the environmental impact assessment.
The environmental impact assessment process helps to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed plan.
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Additionally, it specifies the methods that should be used to assess the impacts on various aspects of the environment.
Also, the developers and decision-makers can ensure that the environmental consequences of their actions are considered and minimized as much as possible.
Notably, it facilitates public participation and consultation processes, hence providing a clear and transparent framework for presenting and reviewing environmental information.
