This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
On July 31, 2019, the Environment and Land Court in Kisumu made a landmark ruling, ordering the closure of Kibos Sugar And Allied Industries Ltd following a petition filed by locals of Kisumu East over environmental pollution by the factory.
High Court judge SM Kibunja revoked the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license issued to the factory, stating it was illegally and un-procedurally obtained.
The judge further ordered that a fresh EIA be conducted within 120 days by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and new licenses issued.
Failure to comply with the order for fresh EIA licenses within four months would result in the demolition of structures within the Kibos sugar factory and the environment restored to its original status.
The court also ordered the petitioners, in conjunction with Kisumu County Government and NEMA, to appoint an auctioneer to carry out the restoration order and recover costs in case of non-compliance.
The ruling will also affect Kibos Power Limited, which generates electricity, and Kibos Distilleries Limited, which generates alcohol.
