Editor's Review

Residents of Gokoromone, Meru County, had voiced frustrations over a persistent foul smell in the area.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a clarification over alleged raw sewage flowing into River Kathita in Meru County. 

This follows concerns raised by residents of Gokoromone, who accused local authorities of neglecting the issue, citing health risks.

Residents also voiced frustrations over a persistent foul smell in the area, questioning the role of the Meru Water and Sewerage Company in maintaining proper sanitation.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 4, NEMA refuted claims that raw sewage was being discharged into the river, explaining that the water in question is treated wastewater from the local sewer plant. 

"The preliminary findings established that the water in question is actually treated wastewater from the sewer plant and has no smell," NEMA stated.  

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However, the agency acknowledged concerns from residents regarding the state of the sewer system. 

"The Director and the team held a meeting with the sewer plant management to undertake dislodging of the lagoons as they wait for the completion of the new sewer plant, which is 60% complete," NEMA added.

File image of a NEMA enforcement officer

This comes a month after NEMA shut down the Ty Woods K factory in Nakuru County.

In a statement dated Wednesday, February 5, NEMA explained that the closure was necessitated by inspections conducted on the facility. 

The authority noted that various environmental pollution concerns were exposed during the inspections, adding that the factory also failed to get an Emissions License as stipulated in the Air Quality Regulations 2024.

"NEMA has closed down Ty Woods K. Ltd located at Ketigoi area, Mau Summit, Kuresoi Sub County, Nakuru County after the company failed to comply with conditions of the Environmental Restoration Order issued on 6th August 2024 followed by an inspection undertaken on 23rd January 2024. 

"The facility had fugitive emissions visible from various leakages at the boiler area and the entire facility that caused an uproar among the neighbouring community due to the possible effects of such emissions," read the statement in part.