The National Environment Management Authority, or NEMA, has closed a factory in Mlolongo that makes glass, ceramics, and concrete. Officers found that the company had been releasing untreated chemical waste directly into the Nairobi River.
The raid was led by NEMA Director General Mamo Mamo together with Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa. During the operation, three people linked to the factory were arrested.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, the NEMA boss confirmed the arrests and said more suspects could still face prosecution.
At first, some of the people inside the factory locked themselves in to avoid arrest. But NEMA police officers did not give up. They later caught two more suspects who are believed to be among the owners of the company.
During the raid, the Environment CS issued a strong warning to any business operating without proper waste treatment systems. She said such facilities will be closed down.
“Any facility operating without a functional effluent treatment plant, or one that does not meet waste discharge standards, will not be allowed to continue operations. We will be closing such sites,” she warned.
She also spoke against the open burning of waste, saying it is against the 2024 air quality regulations because it harms both the environment and people’s health.
The CS explained that industrial waste, leaking sewer pipes, and waste running off from solid garbage have all added to the pollution of rivers in urban areas.
“70 per cent of wastewater generated in Nairobi is discharged untreated into the environment, compounding the crisis and extending its impact downstream,” Barasa said.
NEMA has made it clear that companies breaking environmental laws will face serious consequences, including arrests and permanent closure of their operations.
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