This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Published on July 17, 2020, a court ruling has brought relief to the residents of Owino Uhuru slums in Chagamwe, Mombasa County, who have been suffering from lead poisoning caused by a nearby factory.
Justice Ann Omollo of the Environment and Land Court ordered the government and two private investors to pay Sh1.3 billion in compensation to the affected residents.
The court also directed the State agencies responsible for the environment to clean up any remaining lead deposits within the next four months.
Failure to comply with the order will result in the State being required to pay an additional Sh700 million.
The court's ruling was made in a case filed by the Centre for Justice Governance and Environmental Action on behalf of the residents in 2016.
