Hundreds of residents on Monday stormed a Chinese-owned quarry in Kedong, Naivasha, demanding its closure for allegedly continuing operations despite a stop order from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The demonstrators, among them parents from a neighboring school, marched to the facility off the Moi South Lake Road to protest the ongoing illegal stone crushing activities.
They accused the investor of causing air and noise pollution and vowed to hold weekly protests until it complies with the law.
They said blasting and dust from the site over the past two months had affected nearby homes, schools and businesses.
Caroline Wanjiku of Longonot Vista Resort said the quarrying had disrupted the hotel’s operations and caused heavy losses due to bookings cancellations.
“This is impunity of the highest order and we are wondering if a Kenyan could do the same in China and it was time the government stamped its authority on this issue,” she said.
She added that residents had suffered health complications from the blasts and dust, and that they would not be deterred on their quest to stop the plant activities.
On her part, Margaret Kusa, a parent at Longonot DEB Primary School, said pupils had been complaining of chest pains since the quarrying began.
“At times, learning is disrupted at the school because of dust and we are calling on the national government to come to our rescue,” she said.
Another resident Mark Mwangi said the company did not conduct public participation before starting work, as required by law.
“The Environmental Management and Coordination Act requires public engagement before any quarry starts operations, but this was not done,” he said.
Youth leader David Chege said the group was ready to camp at the site until the company leaves, adding that they were seeking justice for the affected community.
Contacted, the National Environment Management Authority in Naivasha, Jane Njihia confirmed that the company holds no license from the authority or the Nakuru County Government, and that it had been served with a stop order, which it ignored.
She said some hoteliers and residents affected by the quarry have filed a case against the company at the Naivasha Law Courts.
The Company representatives at the site declined to comment on the matter upon request to verify the allegations against it.
by Erastus Gichohi/Beatrice Wanjiku
