The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a sweeping environmental restoration order targeting illegal quarry operations in Ngelani City and the Lukenya area of Machakos County.
The directive, dated May 29, 2025, calls for the immediate cessation of quarrying activities deemed unlawful and harmful to the environment.
In a stern letter addressed to all quarry owners in the region, NEMA Director General Mamo B. Mamo cited persistent environmental violations, including forged land ownership documents and failure to comply with over 300 previously issued improvement notices.
The Authority revealed that illegal quarrying in the area has continued despite numerous enforcement attempts, often facing resistance from individuals claiming false ownership.
Quoting Article 42 of the Constitution, the letter emphasized every Kenyan’s right to a clean and healthy environment, while invoking Section 58 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), which mandates all quarry operators to possess valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licenses.
“All quarry operations lacking valid EIA licenses are hereby ordered CLOSED,” the statement read, warning that NEMA inspectors will begin random compliance checks immediately.
Quarry owners are also required to submit their latest environmental audits and EIA licenses to NEMA for review.
Those found non-compliant risk prosecution, with penalties including fines of up to KSh 4 million or imprisonment for up to four years.
This crackdown comes amid rising concerns over environmental degradation in the fast-developing Machakos region, where unchecked quarrying has left deep scars on the land and communities vulnerable to pollution and unsafe living conditions.
NEMA has reminded affected parties of their right to appeal the order at the National Environment Tribunal but insists that environmental protection remains a non-negotiable priority.
