Duale threatens to close 101 factories dumping waste into Nairobi River

At least 101 polluters in the capital city risk being shut down for polluting the Nairobi River.

On Wednesday, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that the polluters identified by the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) include industries, factories, apartments, and abattoirs.

"Nema has mapped out 101 industries, factories, apartments, and slaughterhouses that discharge their effluent to Nairobi Rivers and I want to confirm the Nema chairman is here (and) he has no choice but to comply with the law and regulations passed by this House," Duale said.

The CS, who spoke while appearing before the National Assembly, said the government has already set in motion plans to ensure all laws passed by Parliament to protect the environment are adhered to and are enforced.

Duale said his first meeting would be with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers to engage them in protecting the environment.

Earlier this week, while appearing before the National Assembly Environment Committee chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, CS Duale announced firm actions to enhance solid waste management in Nairobi and other major towns.

Ensure full compliance

He revealed that he had directed Nema Director-General Mamo Boru Mamo to ensure full compliance with waste management practices by firms.

Duale emphasised that he and President William Ruto have agreed to provide Nema with the necessary political goodwill to effectively address issues of solid waste and environmental degradation.

"Nema will either shape up or ship out as long as I am the Cabinet Secretary for Environment. I and the President have given Nema the necessary political will to deal with issues of the environment which was lacking. Mr Mamo now has our full support," Duale said.

"I ask you as MPs not to call me when we decide to deal with environmental polluters. I will be going after them and let no MP call me to seek assistance when I deal with polluters," he insisted.

Nema director transferred

The CS also revealed that he had ordered the transfer of the Nairobi region Nema director due to mishandling of environmental crimes.

He revealed that the director had previously been transferred five times for similar issues but managed to return due to political connections.

"I have ordered her transfer and she has left. She had been previously transferred five times but she found her way back due to political connections. She had integrity issues. I have asked Mr Mamo to get me an officer with integrity and who has the will to deal with environmental crimes in this city,” Duale said.

On August 13, 2024, the CS issued his first directive, putting companies polluting the Nairobi River on notice.

In his directive, Duale emphasised that the restoration order for the polluted river must be upheld, warning that immediate action would be taken against the polluters.

"Nema restoration orders must be obeyed by the regulated community," he said.

Nema is a government agency responsible for the management of the environment and environmental policy.

CS Duale further stated that the authority had been directed to immediately start enforcement actions on all those polluting the Nairobi Rivers Basin ecosystem.

Nema was also directed to map out all effluent discharge points along the Nairobi Rivers ecosystem and to immediately take appropriate enforcement action.

After being sworn in as the Environment CS, Duale pledged to revive the ambitious dream that the late former Environment Minister John Michuki had, with a focus on preserving rivers, and forests and greening the country.

Under his leadership, the CS said, Nairobi rivers, which are reeling from pollution and encroachment by farmers and private developers, would be among his first priorities.