The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a new directive requiring all sand transporters to obtain a sand transportation permit.
In a public notice, NEMA said the directive mandated by the recently enacted Sand Harvesting Regulations, 2024, aims to promote sustainable utilization of sand as a natural resource while safeguarding the environment.
"This is to bring to the attention of sand transporters that the Sand Harvesting Regulations, 2024 require that you obtain a sand transportation permit from NEMA. All Sand Transporters are therefore required to apply for Permit to Transport sand immediately," the notice read.
The notice clarifies that the regulations were promulgated by the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
NEMA asked all sand transporters to immediately apply for a permit to transport sand by logging into the NEMA website at www.nema.go.ke, through the licensing portal for Sand Harvesting.
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This comes barely a month after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced new proposals aimed at enhancing road safety by tightening regulations on loading and cargo securement for heavy commercial vehicles.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 29, NTSA announced that all cargo transported by heavy commercial vehicles must be properly contained, covered, immobilized or secured to prevent leakage, spillage or dislodgement during transit.
The proposed regulations specifically target materials such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, ore, salt, waste and shredded scrap metal.
“The covering must be made of tarpaulin, canvas, wire mesh, netting, or any other material capable of containing the load within the vehicle or container. Additionally, it must be fastened in a way that prevents it from separating from the vehicle,” the statement read.
