The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has directed the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) to clean polluted River Thange in Makueni County.
The new directive is a step back from there 2018 ruling that gave KPC a clean bill of health in the health status of the River following a 2015 oil spillage.
“Citizens have a right to a clean environment. From Monday, we shall look into the restoration order so that KPC will undertake proper clean-up and follow the laws and regulations that are in place to safeguard citizens.
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We shall relook the whole thing now that we have new evidence coming up. We shall not allow citizens to utilise this environment in its current form.” said Nema boss Boru Mano
“Nema Director General, Mamo B. Mamo, EBS yesterday joined the Senate Standing Committee on Energy on a fact-finding mission regarding the 2015 Kenya Pipeline oil spillage at Thange River, Kibwezi, Makueni County.
The Senate committee chaired by Sen. Dr. Oburu Oginga engaged the local communities and government-lead agencies officers from Kenya Pipeline Corporation, Public health amongst others.
Governor Makueni County, H.E Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. and Senator Makueni County, Sen. Daniel Maanzo also accompanied the Committee. NEMA is a member of the taskforce formed by the Governor, Makueni County.
The DG assured residents that NEMA was working closely with the County Government of Makueni to ensure a clean healthy and secure environment for the Thange Community.” said Nema
Speaking during the visit was Senate Energy Committee chairperson Oburu Odinga who noted that the Senate has played a role in pushing KPC to conduct a health cleanup of the RIver.
Also present was Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. who called on KPC to conduct a cleanup of the River as well as compensating the affected community.
What baffled the Senate Committee was the existence of oil in three new shallow wells that had been sunk by KPC years later.
