This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
Residents of Nairobi's Mombasa Road area are facing a health crisis due to toxic emissions from manufacturing plants. According to a petition filed with the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), the persistent toxic emissions have led to respiratory problems, breathing complications, nose bleeding, and itchy eyes among residents.
Chairperson of Eagle Plains Estate residents association, Edgar Mwandawiro, revealed that most of the estates along Mombasa Road have been affected by the choking emissions. He pointed out that the toxic emissions have led to hospitalizations, with children being the most affected.
“There is even a nursery school inside the Estate and we are fearing for the children should learning resume next month,” said Edgar Mwandawiro.
The problem is not new, as a similar issue occurred in 2019 when NEMA and the Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko intervened to stop the emissions. In April 2019, CS Tobiko ordered the indefinite closure of three companies found to be behind the harmful emissions, including Powerex, Edible oils, and Usafiplus. However, the problem returned in January 2020.
Published on May 13, 2020.
