Written By Lisa Murimi
In a decisive move, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has instructed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to enforce strict measures against companies polluting the Nairobi River.
This directive is Duale’s first major action since assuming office.
The CS emphasized that the ongoing restoration efforts for the river must be upheld and warned of immediate actions against violators.
“NEMA Restoration Orders must be obeyed by the regulated community,” Duale stated firmly.
The directive includes urgent enforcement actions on all facilities discharging pollutants into the Nairobi Rivers Basin.
NEMA Director General Mamo B Mamo confirmed that Duale’s orders extend to addressing a problematic manhole leaking effluent, which the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) has been given a 24-hour deadline to repair.
Mamo also highlighted the need for NEMA to map all discharge points along the river for prompt action. Areas affected by non-compliance include City Park, Kenyatta National Hospital, Kirichwa Kubwa, and Kangemi.
The new orders come after NEMA had previously directed 29 companies to clean up the river, citing synthetic waste disrupting natural processes.
NEMA’s latest stance underscores a zero-tolerance policy toward pollution and non-compliance.
