05/05/2026
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.