This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
On May 15, 2020, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) defended its position to close the Kibos and Allied Sugar factory in Kisumu County over pollution concerns.
NEMA's Director-General, Mamo Mamo, told the Senate Agricultural Committee that the sugar miller had failed to comply with air quality regulations for 15 years, dating back to 2004.
According to Mamo, the factory had been given 30 days from February 5 to install an effective air pollution control system but failed to comply.
Despite the potential job losses, Mamo emphasized that NEMA's duty is to safeguard the environment and public health, particularly for vulnerable children exposed to pollutants.
Senator Samson Cherargei, however, questioned the motives behind the closure, suggesting it was a 'PR political witch-hunt' to allow cartels to import sugar from outside the country.
NEMA's Director-General dismissed the allegations, stating that the agency is guided by facts and environmental guidelines stipulated in law.
The committee chair, Senator Peter Ndwiga, defended NEMA, emphasizing that its business is premised on safeguarding the environment.
