On 2 May 2025, Kitui County Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Resources CEC John Mwendandu assured residents that the rampant and destructive sand harvesting in the county would soon be addressed.
The enforcement is guided by the Kitui County River Basin Sand Utilisation and Conservation Act 2024, which aims to:
Protect and conserve riverine ecosystems.
Streamline sand mining activities through designated sites, licensed transporters, and mandatory routes.
Ensure environmental conservation rather than revenue generation.
Allow communities opposed to sand mining in their areas to veto operations locally.
Mwendandu emphasized that the law is a long-term solution for sustainable sand mining, creating healthier ecosystems, water sources for horticulture, and grazing areas. The law aligns with Governor Julius Malombe’s manifesto on environmental conservation.
The enforcement committee, led by environmental expert Benjamin Mukulo, has already begun initial work to implement the Act.