Vihiga: Sand harvesters in the Buhani area of Vihiga County have been ordered to cease their activities immediately due to the environmental hazards they pose. During a public meeting at a church in Buhani Vihiga Sub County, DCC Linet Orina issued a stern warning to the sand harvesters and transporters, stating that any continuation of the exercise could lead to arrests.
According to Kenya News Agency, Orina expressed concern that the sand harvesters were not following the existing laws and regulations. She highlighted a specific instance where the Buhani PAG church is at risk of collapsing due to surrounding sand extraction, which has denied worshippers access and posed significant safety risks. Orina urged the local community, especially the youth, to seek alternative income sources such as vegetable planting and selling, noting those who have already adopted greenhouse farming, like Ernest Boge, are making a sustainable living.
Orina further advised the sand harvesters and transporters to organize and register groups with the Directorate of Social Services. This would enable them to access government funds like the Youth Enterprise and Development Fund, Uwezo Fund, and women enterprise fund, among other grants. She also announced an impending crackdown on those violating the regulations, warning that offenders would face arrest and charges.
Local residents, led by Ken Ambwere, have appealed to the government for more time to find alternative livelihoods, as many depend on sand harvesting for their income. Meanwhile, Brenda Obura from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) urged the community to comply with sand harvesting laws. She emphasized the need for proper licensing for harvesters, transporters, and landowners and recommended sustainable practices like sloping sand harvesting to allow for natural land rejuvenation.
Obura also encouraged stakeholders in the sand harvesting industry to participate in land rehabilitation efforts, such as planting trees on degraded sites.
