National Environmental Complaints Committee

On Tuesday, the team led by Committee Members Mr. Ernest Mutinda, HSC and Mr. Brian Onderi, conducted a comprehensive on‑site assessment in response to a complaint concerning environmental degradation allegedly caused by a stormwater drainage system at Turbo East/Leseru Block 7.

The team was accompanied by Ms. Susan Karanja from Nema Kenya, as well as representatives from Chelang’at Koskei & Company Advocates, who are acting on behalf of the complainant.

Key Findings:
1. Significant volumes of stormwater runoff were being redirected into the affected parcel, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. This is largely attributed to ongoing road expansion works, which have altered the natural drainage patterns and increased surface runoff onto the private property.

2. It was noted that Nema Kenya had previously conducted a site visit; however, the official inspection report is yet to be issued.

3. The matter has since been escalated to court by the complainant through her legal representatives.

The team, led by Committee Secretary Ms. Mary Njogu, and accompanied by Committee Members Mr. Ernest Mutinda, HSC and Mr. Brian Onderi, yesterday responded to complaints concerning environmental degradation resulting from the encroachment of riparian reserves within Sosiyo Swamp, Rayfarm Swamp, and Kaplolo Dam in Uasin Gishu County.

The engagement commenced with a courtesy call to the Uasin Gishu County Commissioner, Dr. Eddyson Nyale, OGW, to obtain preliminary insights on the matter. This was followed by a consultative meeting with key environmental stakeholders, including representatives from the Water Resources Authority, Nema Kenya, the County Government’s Department of Physical Planning, and Kaplolo community representatives.

Subsequently, the team conducted site inspections within the affected areas to assess the situation on the ground.

Key Findings

1. Significant encroachment of riparian reserves was observed, primarily driven by extensive farming activities and the construction of permanent structures within protected zones.

2: It was established that the affected riparian areas have not yet been formally demarcated, thereby contributing to ongoing unregulated land use and continued encroachment.

Yesterday, the team in Naivasha, Nakuru County, led by Committee Member Mr. William Nairuko, conducted investigations into complaints concerning the alleged encroachment of Lake Oloiden by private investors, as well as road construction activities in the area.

The complainants alleged that excavated material from ongoing road construction works was being used for backfilling and reclamation of riparian land within the lake, raising concerns over environmental degradation and potential ecosystem disruption.

The investigation commenced with a courtesy call to the Naivasha Sub‑County Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Josiah Odongo, to obtain preliminary insights on the matter. This was followed by a consultative meeting with stakeholders, which was unfortunately disrupted by planned demonstrations.

Despite the disruption, the team proceeded with site inspections, visiting a section of the Oserian–Kongoni road, where construction is ongoing, and Lake Oloiden Resort to assess the reported cases of backfilling and encroachment.

The Committee subsequently responded to a complaint concerning illegal waste dumping on a private property owned by Ngundu Farmers Cooperative, located in Kamulu, Ruai Ward, Nairobi City County.

Prior to the site inspection, the team paid a courtesy call to the Ruai Ward Administrator, Mr. Joe Ogolla, to obtain background information and insights regarding the complaint. Following this engagement, the team proceeded to conduct an on‑site assessment, with particular focus on the potential environmental and public health impacts arising from the unauthorized disposal of waste.

Key findings from the investigation revealed that the site is currently being used as an undesignedated waste holding point.

Today, the team responded to a complaint regarding excessive noise pollution emanating from Volt Lounge, located along Thika Road in Roysambu Sub‑County, Nairobi City County.

The establishment is alleged to cause persistent disturbances—particularly during nighttime hours on weekends—which have adversely affected residents of neighbouring apartment buildings since its commencement of operations in December 2025. The ongoing noise nuisance has reportedly compelled some residents to vacate their homes.

During the site visit, the team was accompanied by an officer from NEMA, who issued an Improvement Order after noting the absence of certain requisite compliance documents at the premises.

H.E. Fatuma Achani, Governor of Kwale County, today received a delegation from the Municipalities of Norrköping and Arvika, Sweden, at the County Headquarters, reaffirming ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

The visit builds on engagements held in 2025, during which a Council of Governors (G7) delegation—led by Governors Anne Waiguru, Cecily Mbarire, and Governor Achani—paid an official visit to Norrköping City Hall in Sweden.

Governor Achani noted that the current engagement advances earlier discussions, with a focus on fostering strategic partnerships in waste management, water services, and the prevention of Gender‑Based Violence (GBV). She emphasized that such collaborations are key to promoting sustainable development and inclusive service delivery at the county level.

The Swedish delegation is undertaking a three‑day learning mission in Kwale County and has already toured several institutions, including Wahapahapa Limited, Mehek Investments, and Wozawoza Youth Limited Company, to explore best practices in waste management, environmental sustainability, and youth‑driven enterprise.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Mary Njogu, Committee Secretary - NECC, alongside Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo, and County Attorney Salim Gombeni. Also present were County Executive Committee Members Saumu Mahaja (Lands), Francisca Kilonzo (Social Services), Michael Mutua (Tourism), and Hemed Mwabudzo (Water).

Additionally, the engagement was attended by Municipal Managers Mwanawani Sheti (Kwale), Hassan Mwadzugwe (Diani), Hemed Madzore (Kinango), and Grace Mbeyu (Lunga Lunga), together with members of the Swedish delegation and other county officials.

H.E. Fatuma Achani, Governor of Kwale County, today received a delegation from the Municipalities of Norrköping and Arvika, Sweden, at the County Headquarters, reaffirming ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

The visit builds on engagements held in 2025, during which a Council of Governors (G7) delegation—led by Governors Anne Waiguru, Cecily Mbarire, and Governor Achani—paid an official visit to Norrköping City Hall in Sweden.

Governor Achani noted that the current engagement advances earlier discussions, with a focus on fostering strategic partnerships in waste management, water services, and the prevention of Gender‑Based Violence (GBV). She emphasized that such collaborations are key to promoting sustainable development and inclusive service delivery at the county level.

The Swedish delegation is undertaking a three‑day learning mission in Kwale County and has already toured several institutions, including Wahapahapa Limited, Mehek Investments, and Wozawoza Youth Limited Company, to explore best practices in waste management, environmental sustainability, and youth‑driven enterprise.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Mary Njogu, Committee Secretary, NECC, alongside Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo, and County Attorney Salim Gombeni. Also present were County Executive Committee Members Saumu Mahaja (Lands), Francisca Kilonzo (Social Services), Michael Mutua (Tourism), and Hemed Mwabudzo (Water).

Additionally, the engagement was attended by Municipal Managers Mwanawani Sheti (Kwale), Hassan Mwadzugwe (Diani), Hemed Madzore (Kinango), and Grace Mbeyu (Lunga Lunga), together with members of the Swedish delegation and other county officials.

Since yesterday, the team—led by our Chairman, Hon. Godana Doyo, and Committee Members Eng. Stephen Muli, Mr. Ernest Kioko, HSC, Mr. Brian Onderi, and Mr. William Nairuko—has been conducting investigations in Kilifi County.

The team addressed two key complaints:
1. The ongoing construction of an ablution block and other illegal structures along Bofa Beach, as well as the associated noise pollution from entertainment establishments operating in the area.
2. The alleged private ownership and encroachment of the Sabaki Estuary wetland.

Yesterday, the delegation held a meeting with the County Commissioner, environmental stakeholders, and members of the Bofa Environment Community Organization (BECO) to deliberate on the concerns surrounding the construction activities and noise pollution along Bofa Beach. This engagement was followed by a site inspection at Vizindani Beach, where the team noted that the structures in question were unlicensed entertainment facilities and that the ablution block was situated on privately owned land.

Today, the team paid a courtesy call to the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) in Malindi, after which a consultative meeting was held with stakeholders and representatives from the Sabaki River Corporation and Development Organization (SARICODO). Discussions focused on the alleged private ownership of the Sabaki Estuary wetland by Ashfam Enterprises Limited. A site visit was thereafter conducted to assess the situation on the ground.

Findings from the visit revealed that the matter is currently before the court, pending a ruling.