NEMA shuts down over 200 illegal gold mining sites along River Turkwel in Turkana
During the suspension, NEMA will conduct environmental inspections at the affected sites to determine their level of compliance.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has closed more than 200 illegal gold mining sites in the Kambi Karai and Lami Nyeusi areas along River Turkwel in Turkana County for operating without the required licences.
The agency stated on Monday that it was responding to increasing public complaints about environmental damage caused by illegal mining in the area.
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According to NEMA, the mining operations were being conducted without environmental impact assessment (EIA) licences, which are mandatory for such activities.
The unregulated operations have left deep pits and heavily polluted the river, making the water unsafe for household use.
"NEMA has today directed mining activities within the Kambi Karai and Lami Nyeusi region along River Turkwel in Sigor Constituency to stop further operations due to their negative environmental impacts," NEMA stated.
“The more than 200 gold mining sites are operating without environmental impact assessment licences, leaving deep holes and dirty waters along the river, making it unsuitable for domestic consumption,” the authority added.
During the suspension, NEMA will conduct environmental inspections at the affected sites to determine their level of compliance. Only those that meet the required EIA and audit standards, including clear decommissioning plans, will be licensed and allowed to reopen.
An EIA is a mandatory process that looks at the possible environmental, economic, and social impacts of a proposed project. Its goal is to ensure development is carried out responsibly and sustainably.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in nearby West Pokot County, four people died and several others were injured when a gold mine collapsed in Turkwel on Saturday, June 7.
The incident occurred after miners returned to the site late at night with hand tools, unaware that the soil had become loose following excavation earlier in the day.
West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi, who confirmed the deaths, blamed illegal mining activities for the tragedy. He also criticised some local leaders for allegedly turning the community against police officers who were carrying out rescue operations at the scene.
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