Nema Kenya

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, accompanied by the NEMA Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS, today led an inspection of industrial facilities in Mlolongo, Machakos County.

The facilities visited included Canon Chemicals Ltd and Shreeji Chemicals Limited. Shreeji Chemicals was closed, and its proprietors arrested for failing to cooperate with the enforcement team and for non-compliance with various environmental orders issued to them.

Speaking on site, the CS noted that industrial effluent, leaking sewer systems, and solid waste runoff have collectively contributed to the pollution of urban rivers. These indicators point to a river system overwhelmed by contamination from multiple discharge sources.

“70% of wastewater generated in Nairobi is discharged untreated into the environment, compounding the crisis and extending its impact downstream,” the CS stated.

The CS affirmed that enforcement actions will continue across the country, and facilities found to be non-compliant will face appropriate sanctions, including closure where necessary. Facilities operating without functional effluent treatment plants, or with systems that do not meet discharge standards, will not be allowed to continue operations.

She further warned that facilities using or handling chemicals without proper registration with NEMA will be deemed non-compliant. Additionally, the use of unauthorized plastic bags, in violation of Kenya’s plastic ban, continues to contribute to blocked drainage systems, river pollution, and the release of toxic fumes through open burning.

The NEMA Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, reiterated that the Authority remains committed to supporting industries through compliance assistance. However, he cautioned that facilities unwilling to comply will face the necessary enforcement measures, including closure.

Last year, NEMA inspected over 100 facilities along the Nairobi Rivers, noting improvements such as the installation of effluent treatment plants, which have contributed to better discharge quality into the environment.

Happy Labour Day

Chairman, Emilio Mugo, yesterday at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport joined the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH, alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, and other government officials in receiving four mountain Bongos donated by the Czech Republic.

The animals form part of ongoing conservation and wildlife repopulation efforts aimed at restoring Kenya’s endangered species and strengthening biodiversity.

Today, as we join the world in marking Earth Day, we call on all of us to create a meaningful environmental change, highlighting sustainable energy, supply chains and individual action for a resilient future.

today with officials from State Departments of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry joined a virtual consultative meeting convened by the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, EGH.

The meeting brought together staff from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry including NEMA, NETFUND, KMSA, KFS, and KEFRI led by Principal Secretaries Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, MIEK, CBS and Gitonga Mugambi, CBS.

While making his remarks, NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo stated that the Authority has rolled out ENVIS and ERP systems to enhance service delivery to minimize physical interactions between staff and customers reducing instances of corruption and favouritism.

He noted that despite devolution of noise and solid waste management functions the Authority continues to receive instances of violations and has been taking the necessary actions including working with respective counties.

He further indicated that NEMA, as a regulator is operationalising Article 12 of EMCA that gives the Authority power to direct lead agencies to perform environmental duties within set timeframes.

Today's engagement formed part of the ongoing re-energisation and revitalisation of the public service to improve performance and delivering timely, quality services.

NEMA Kenya yesterday closed Saafigo Clays Limited incinerator in Mombasa for operating a bricks kiln burning medical waste and hazardous materials violating conditions of the Environmental Management and Co‑ordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2024.

The Authority is undertaking enforcement actions for all substandard incinerators countrywide to protect the environment and the health of the public.

Happy Easter Nema Kenya

Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS has been recognized and awarded an Honorary member Certificate to the Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP).

The Authority was also awarded a certificate of recognition by the same professional planning body for its contributions towards making Kenya a planning society. Both certificates were received by Isaiah Kyengo, NEMA Regional Director of Environment, Coast.

Nema Kenya today held the National Steering Committee meeting for Desertification and Drought Day 2026. The Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has brought together both public and private entities to prepare for the event.

This year, Kenya will host the global observance of Desertification and Drought Day in partnership with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”

The event will highlight the central role of the world’s rangelands in climate resilience, food and water security, biodiversity conservation and the cultural identity of pastoralist and Indigenous communities.
The event will be held on 17th June, 2026 in Kilifi County.

in collaboration with Mombasa county government has today arrested an office manager of Super Star Express Limited, a Courier in Mvita, Mombasa found in possession of 90Kg gunny bags containing several pieces of the banned plastic carrier bags. The bags were delivered to the site using the company vehicles. He was booked at Tononoka Police Station awaiting arraignment in court tomorrow.

The site has been closed for aiding the illegal trade and lack of an Environmental impact Assessment (EIA) license.