The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has announced a 30-day public consultation period, requesting Kenyan citizens to provide feedback regarding the planned establishment of two major manufacturing enterprises in Kitui and Nyeri counties.
Through separate gazette notices released on Friday, May 22, a private industrial company is requesting NEMA’s authorization for constructing a cement production facility in both Kitui and Nyeri.
NEMA has indicated that these projects may create various environmental and social consequences during both the construction phase and operational period.
Consequently, the organization is asking the public to submit opinions on the proposed industrial developments, particularly concerning environmental concerns including noise pollution.
“In accordance with section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act Cap. 387, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report concerning the aforementioned proposed initiative,” NEMA mentioned in the official notice.
“NEMA invites the public to submit written or oral comments regarding this notice to assist the Authority in its decision-making procedures,” they added.
Regarding the first initiative, the developer intends to construct a substantial lime processing facility with connected quarrying operations in the Ekani region of Kitui South Sub-County.
This establishment will include a hydrated lime production unit, complete calcination kiln systems, storage facilities, and on-site employee accommodations.
Simultaneously, the organization is focusing on Central Kenya, planning to develop a comprehensive cement and associated goods manufacturing operation in the Lusoi region of Kieni Sub-County, Nyeri County.
The Nyeri facility is designed to incorporate limestone processing equipment, material storage silos, packaging systems, and large-scale logistics warehouses.
Given the intensive industrial characteristics of these projects, NEMA has established rigorous environmental standards that the developer must fulfill during both construction and operational phases.
One requirement involves implementing a notification system to alert local households and educational institutions at least 48 hours prior to any significant blasting activities, thereby minimizing potential conflicts with community members.
Individuals interested in reviewing the complete Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study documents may examine them at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry headquarters located in the NHIF Building in Nairobi.
Furthermore, reports can be accessed at the NEMA headquarters on Popo Road, or at the respective County Environment Directors’ offices in Kitui and Nyeri, allowing citizens to either endorse or oppose the factory establishment plans.