The Senate Lands and Environment Committee has expressed concern over the Kilifi County Government's inaction against mining and sand harvesting companies that are harming the ecological system. Committee Chairperson, Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki, noted that several companies are not adhering to National Environment Management Authority (Nema) guidelines on safe mining practices. This has led to environmental degradation in the area. The committee is demanding answers from the county government on the measures being taken to address this issue.
Kilifi County Geologist George Shoka appeared before the Senate Committee and faced tough questions about his report on mining and sand harvesting companies in the county. The committee felt that Shoka's report was incomplete and did not provide sufficient information on the activities of these companies. Faki asked Shoka to provide a comprehensive report on the number of mining companies in Kilifi County and their operations. Shoka's response was unsatisfactory, leading to further scrutiny from the committee.
Despite the criticism, Shoka outlined several measures that the County Government of Kilifi has put in place to regulate sand-harvesting activities. These measures include compliance inspections, a draft Sand Harvesting Policy, sanitation infrastructure, and enforcement of quarry rehabilitation. The county has also been undertaking inspections of sand-harvesting sites to assess permitting, environmental approvals, and worker and public safety. Shoka emphasized that operators found to be non-compliant are directed to stop work and implement corrective measures.
However, residents of Mjana Heri, where sand harvesting is prevalent, expressed dissatisfaction with the current system. They argued that Nema's decision to license individual sand harvesters rather than cooperative societies has led to minimal benefits for the local community. Residents claimed that this has resulted in environmental decay and poverty in the area. They demanded that Nema revert to the old system of licensing cooperative societies, which they believe will help to address poverty and promote environmental sustainability.
Local residents, including Charles Katana, who has lived in the area for over 35 years, shared their experiences of how the collapse of cooperative societies has affected them. Katana stated that the current system has plunged the community into despair, with little gain for the locals. He argued that when Nema licensed cooperatives, the community was able to benefit from sand harvesting activities, but this is no longer the case with individual sand harvesters.
Senators Joe Nyutu and Beatrice Ogolla assured the residents that they would address the issue with Nema, with a view to reverting to the old system. The senators acknowledged that the community is fighting not only for a friendly ecological system but also for the restoration of a community structure that once provided dignity and mutual support. The Senate's intervention offers a glimmer of hope for the residents, who are seeking a more sustainable and equitable solution.
The issue of sand harvesting in Kilifi County highlights the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. The county government's efforts to regulate sand harvesting are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the concerns of local residents. The Senate's involvement is expected to bring attention to the issue and push for a more comprehensive solution that benefits both the community and the environment.
Key points
- The Senate Lands and Environment Committee has put the Kilifi County Government on the spot for failing to take action against mining and sand harvesting companies destroying the ecological system.
- Residents of Mjana Heri demand that Nema revert to licensing cooperative societies, which they believe will help address poverty and promote environmental sustainability.
- Senators Joe Nyutu and Beatrice Ogolla assure residents that they will address the issue with Nema to find a more sustainable solution.
