Naivasha:Hundreds of residents protested on Monday at a Chinese-owned quarry in Kedong, Naivasha, demanding its closure for allegedly operating in defiance of a stop order from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
According to Kenya News Agency, the demonstrators, including parents from a nearby school, marched to the quarry located off Moi South Lake Road to express their opposition to the illegal stone crushing activities. They accused the quarry operators of causing air and noise pollution and pledged to continue weekly protests until the company complies with environmental laws.
Residents reported that blasting and dust emissions from the site over the past two months have impacted nearby homes, schools, and businesses. Caroline Wanjiku, representing Longonot Vista Resort, stated that the quarrying activities disrupted hotel operations, resulting in significant financial losses due to cancellations. She stressed the need for government intervention, noting health complications among residents from the pollution.
Margaret Kusa, a parent at Longonot DEB Primary School, highlighted that pupils have been experiencing chest pains, with dust from the quarry disrupting school activities. She urged the national government to address the situation.
Other residents, like Mark Mwangi, criticized the company for not conducting mandatory public consultations before commencing operations, as required by the Environmental Management and Coordination Act. Youth leader David Chege emphasized the community’s readiness to persist in their protests until the quarry ceases operations, seeking justice for those affected.
NEMA’s Naivasha representative, Jane Njihia, confirmed the quarry lacks a proper license from the authority or Nakuru County Government and acknowledged that a stop order had been issued but ignored. Some local hoteliers and residents have initiated legal action against the company in Naivasha Law Courts. Company representatives declined to comment on the allegations.
