The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued Improvement Notices to two Nairobi businesses following inspections in Industrial Area and Kayole that revealed significant environmental and safety regulation breaches.
The businesses identified are Kenrom Chemicals Ltd and the Kayole Slaughterhouse, both found violating Kenya’s environmental laws during NEMA enforcement team inspections across Nairobi on May 27.
“NEMA environmental inspectors conducted routine checks in Nairobi’s Industrial Area and Kayole and issued Improvement Notices to two facilities,” according to NEMA.
Kenrom Chemicals Ltd was cited for non-compliance with the Management of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Materials Regulations 2024, which establish stringent requirements for companies handling and storing hazardous substances.
At the Kayole Slaughterhouse, inspectors discovered the facility discharging untreated effluent directly into a Nairobi River tributary, a serious violation that attracted NEMA’s attention.
Furthermore, the slaughterhouse was operating without a valid Effluent Discharge License, a mandatory requirement for any facility releasing industrial wastewater into the environment.
“Kenrom Chemicals Ltd was found non-compliant with Management of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals/Materials Regulations 2024; while Kayole Slaughterhouse was discharging untreated effluent into the Nairobi River tributary and operating without an Effluent Discharge License,” NEMA stated.
Additionally, the slaughterhouse lacked proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for workers, exhibited poor housekeeping practices, and maintained no solid waste tracking documentation.
Regarding toxic waste, the Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations 2024 strictly prohibit any unauthorized discharge of pollutants into Kenya’s water bodies.
The regulations classify the dumping of poisons, toxic matter, and radioactive substances into rivers as criminal offenses, establishing that water bodies cannot be used as industrial waste disposal sites.
The regulations specify that any facility handling effluent must obtain a valid Effluent Discharge License from NEMA before releasing any wastewater into the environment, regardless of whether the waste has been treated or partially processed.
Violating these regulations carries severe penalties, including potential fines in the millions of shillings and possible imprisonment, as outlined in the provisions.
Beyond river pollution, Kenya’s waste management regulations require strict accountability for business solid waste handling, mandating complete documentation of waste generation, handling, and final disposal at every stage.
Businesses must engage only NEMA-licensed waste handlers and maintain proper records, including Waste Tracking Notes, manifests, and signed contracts with licensed transporters and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to ensure full traceability.
Waste-producing facilities must also document their waste management practices in Annual Environmental Audits submitted to NEMA, maintaining a clear record of every kilogram of waste generated on site.
Worker safety remains equally essential. The regulations require employers to provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment tailored to the specific hazards employees face in their work environments.
Companies that disregard these requirements face substantial consequences, with penalties ranging from Ksh 20,000 for minor violations to over Ksh 2 million, or up to four years in prison for the most serious offenses.