The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Aden Duale has issued a warning to 145 companies over the pollution of Nairobi River.
Appearing before the National Assembly, Duale responded to questions on the continued contamination of the Nairobi River despite multiple government interventions over the years.
He revealed that his ministry has identified over 100 facilities discharging waste into the river, adding that non-compliant plants have to treat their wastewater or face closure.
“The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has already mapped out 145 facilities discharging waste into the river, 101 of which have compliance issues. We have issued restoration orders, and all non-compliant facilities must now treat their wastewater according to national standards or face closure,” he explained.
The cabinet secretary stated that industries, factories, and illegal dump sites along the Nairobi River are the main contributors to the river’s pollution.
“The 145 factories and slaughterhouses have a choice to either comply with NEMA laws on dumping of affluent and solid wastes or close shop,” Duale warned.
He noted that the greatest threat facing the river is the dumping of sewerage and other solid waste, stating that most sewer lines run by Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) and Athi River and Sewerage Company are dumping waste into Nairobi River.
Additionally, he highlighted challenges posed by illegal effluent discharge, poor waste management, and the encroachment on riparian lands, adding that his administration had given NEMA strict instructions to ensure full compliance with environmental laws.
Duale on Nairobi River Cleanup and Illegal Dumping
Furthermore, the cabinet secretary underscored the efforts being made through the president’s Climate Resilience Service Programme (Climate WorX), which was launched recently in Nairobi.
He noted that 20,000 young people had already been engaged in the first phase, with plans to expand the initiative to other major cities.
“The restoration of the Nairobi River and other urban rivers is a top priority of this government, and we are committed to ensuring clean, safe, and healthy ecosystems for all,” he expounded.
Climate WorX is a programme that seeks to provide employment and daily wages to low-income earners who rely on daily wages from casual work.
Also Read: Duale Issues First Export Ban as Environment CS
Addressing questions on illegal dumping and dump sites in Nairobi County, Duale explained that NEMA was working closely with the county government to shut down the sites.
“I wish to note that waste collection, dumping and management is a devolved function and the ministry, through NEMA works closely with county governments to ensure sustainable waste management,” he remarked.
Duale further listed several illegal dump sites that have been closed, including Sunken Car Park, Globe Roundabout, Taveta Lane, and Ngenda in Starehe Sub County, one along the airbase fence in Kamukunji Sub-County, and Colnet waste collection site along Rabai.
Also Read: Duale Warns of Worrying Trend in two Counties
NEMA’s Stance on Companies Polluting Nairobi River
On the other hand, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has enforced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on 183 companies whose products were found polluting Nairobi River after surveilling Nairobi Rivers.
In a statement, NEMA said the companies have been forced to undertake the cleanup of these rivers.
“The authority is actively compelling all producers to undertake mandatory EPR for their products through Producer Responsibility Organization (PROs). PROs have commenced buying back waste and waste pickers have started receiving payments for their service in cleaning the environment,” the statement read.
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