This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
On August 30, 2019, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) threatened to close down the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) over environmental concerns, putting 25,000 jobs at risk.
The NEMA board, led by Chairman John Konchella, stormed the EPZA premises and issued a one-month notice to decommission an open solid dumpsite. The Authority had been directed to stop dumping six months prior, but the directive was allegedly ignored.
EPZA's Acting CEO, George Makateto, condemned the NEMA crackdown, stating that the procedure for such an exercise was not followed. He expressed concern that the actions would scare investors and harm the international reputation of Kenya.
With over 21 countries represented in the zone, Makateto questioned the implications of closing the zone on the international community.
