Residents in Naivasha, Kenya, on Monday confronted a Chinese-owned quarry in Kedong, demanding its immediate closure over persistent pollution and alleged disregard for environmental regulations. The protest, led by local residents including parents from Longonot DEB Primary School and hoteliers from the Longonot Vista Resort, followed a National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) stop order issued earlier this year. Demonstrators accused the unlicensed facility of causing air and noise pollution through ongoing stone-crushing activities, with one resident, Caroline Wanjiku, stating the quarry had disrupted hotel operations and caused financial losses due to canceled bookings. 'This is impunity of the highest order,' she said, questioning whether a Kenyan business would face similar leniency in China.
The community highlighted severe health and educational impacts, with parents reporting students experiencing chest pains and disrupted learning due to dust from the site. Margaret Kusa, a parent at Longonot DEB Primary School, stated pupils had suffered respiratory issues since the quarry began operations. Residents also criticized the company for bypassing legal requirements, including public participation under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act. Mark Mwangi, a local resident, emphasized that the firm had operated without community consultation, violating procedural safeguards. Youth leader David Chege pledged continued protests, vowing to camp at the site until the company ceases operations, calling for government intervention to address the crisis.
NEMA’s Naivasha office confirmed the quarry lacks a valid license from both the authority and Nakuru County Government, and that it had ignored a formal stop order. Jane Njihia, a NEMA representative, noted that affected hoteliers and residents had filed a legal case against the company at Naivasha Law Courts. Despite these measures, the facility reportedly continues operations, with company representatives declining to comment when contacted. The dispute underscores broader concerns about environmental governance and corporate accountability in Kenya, with residents demanding stricter enforcement of regulations to protect public health and livelihoods.
The conflict reflects growing public frustration over unregulated industrial activities in Naivasha, a region reliant on tourism and agriculture. Local leaders have called for transparency, while environmental advocates warn of long-term ecological damage if such violations persist. As protests continue, the case has become a focal point for debates on balancing economic development with environmental justice, with residents vowing to escalate their campaign until the quarry is shut down. The situation remains under scrutiny by both local authorities and civil society groups, who emphasize the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.