This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
On July 12, 2020, a Citizen TV exposé highlighted the plight of Syokimau residents, who were suffering from industrial pollution caused by Endmor Steel Millers.
Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua announced that the factory would be shut down to protect the residents from further environmental pollution.
"They will close down by this evening. There is a matter pending in Court by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and has to be concluded. All we had to do was stop them from operating. The company will only resume after it complies," Governor Mutua stated.
The governor emphasized the need to safeguard the lives of his county residents, whose respiratory systems were reportedly being affected by the pollution.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by Syokimau residents, who were dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic alongside the threat posed by the pollution.
Endmor Steel Millers, located near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, had continued to operate despite a court case requiring it to close down temporarily.
The governor issued new directives for the company, including:
- Stopping air pollution and adhering to clean production processes
- Implementing Occupational Health and Safety Standards and protocols
- Providing adequate sanitation and handwashing facilities
- Supplying standard KN 95 masks to all workers
- Adhering to COVID-19 public health rules, including social distancing and temperature recording
