Kwale: Kwale County public health officials have issued a 28-day statutory notice to a poultry farm in Kiteje village in Matuga Sub-County, directing its management to address persistent foul odours and a fly infestation that residents say have affected their health and livelihoods. Matuga Public Health Officer Vincent Mosomi said the county government intervened following a petition from residents, who complained about odour and flies emanating from the poultry project.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mosomi stated that an inspection was conducted and both the community and the investor were engaged before issuing the notice requiring corrective measures within 28 days. He highlighted that the farm, which houses about 9,000 laying hens, faces challenges related to the handling and storage of poultry manure. Flies pose a public health risk as they can transmit diseases such as cholera and other gastrointestinal infections.
Mosomi mentioned that the county health department advised the investor to adopt sustainable waste-management practices, including exploring the conversion of poultry waste into biogas, while implementing immediate measures to control odor and flies. Residents welcomed the intervention, saying the problem had persisted for nearly two years, affecting households, food vendors, and other businesses in the area.
Mwaiga Hamisi Mafutu, a resident of Kiteje village, expressed relief over the intervention, noting that the smell had been affecting them for a long time and that they could not sit comfortably outside their homes due to the constant nuisance caused by the flies. Sophia Hamisi Mafutu, another resident, added that the infestation had impacted food vendors and households, with flies getting into food and drinks, making it difficult for businesses to operate normally.
The poultry farm management acknowledged the complaints and stated that it had already initiated measures to improve manure management. Farm supervisor Abdulhalim Bangushi explained that the company was treating manure using sawdust and other recommended products to reduce odour. The farm is working closely with experts and county health officials to address the problem, affirming their commitment to complying with the recommendations and maintaining good relations with the surrounding community.
This case underscores the need to balance agricultural investment with environmental health concerns, as rural communities continue to experience economic growth and development.
