A protest broke out in Naivasha, Kenya, over the quarrying activities of a Chinese company. The company, operating in the Kedong area off Moi South Lake Road, has been accused of massive air and noise pollution. Residents, including parents from a nearby school, stormed the facility, carrying placards and twigs, and vowed to hold weekly demonstrations until the investor abides by the law. The company has been illegally engaged in quarrying activities for two months, causing dust and blasting to affect nearby homes and institutions.
The quarrying activities have caused significant disruptions to local businesses and residents. Caroline Wanjiku from Longonot Vista Resort stated that the activities had paralyzed their operations, resulting in massive losses. The Ministry of Mining and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) had issued orders to the company to stop quarrying activities, but these were ignored. Wanjiku expressed concern over the health implications of the pollution, adding that residents would not be deterred in their fight.
The protest was not limited to business owners, as parents from nearby schools also expressed concern over the health of their children. Margaret Kusa from Longonot DEB Prima School reported that her children had been complaining of chest pain since the quarrying activities started. The dust and loud blasts had also disrupted learning activities in the school, prompting calls for the national government to intervene.
Residents have also raised concerns over the lack of public participation in the project. Mark Mwangi stated that no public participation was conducted in accordance with the law before work on the vast quarry began. The environmental law requires public engagement before any quarry starts operations, but this was not done. This lack of engagement has contributed to the tensions between residents and the company.
A senior officer from NEMA confirmed that the company had been working illegally, without licenses from the authority or the Nakuru County government. The officer stated that stop orders had been served to the company, but these had been ignored. The company's impunity has sparked outrage among residents, who are demanding action from the government.
The protest has been led by local youth leaders, who have vowed to continue demonstrating until the quarry is closed. David Chege, a youth leader, stated that they would hold weekly demonstrations until justice is served. The residents are demanding that the company be held accountable for its actions and that the government takes action to protect their health and well-being.
The incident highlights the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental and social concerns. The quarrying activities have sparked a heated debate over the role of foreign investors in Kenya and the need for greater accountability. As the protests continue, residents are calling for the government to take decisive action to address their concerns and ensure that the company's activities are brought to a halt.
Key points
- The Chinese company's quarrying activities in Naivasha have been deemed illegal due to lack of licenses and ignoring stop orders from authorities.
- Residents are protesting the company's activities, citing air and noise pollution, and disruption to local businesses and schools.
- The incident has sparked a debate over the role of foreign investors in Kenya and the need for greater accountability.
