Residents of Ngoingwa estate of Thika town in Kiambu County are up in arms over the operation of a factory in their locality, claiming that the existence of the firm was a risk to both their health and the environment.
They claimed that the factory in Mukarara, Kisiwa, produces egg trays using waste materials, including plastic materials, that are exposing the residents to grave health risks due to emissions during the processing of the harmful substances.
Led by Nyumba Kumi leader for Kisiwa West, Francis Njuguna, the protesters called on the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to shut it down or relocate the factory to industrial zones which are not far away from the area.
He said no public participation was carried out as required by law and that the factory has been putting the lives of residents at risk.
“The residents have become prone to respiratory ailments, including asthma, allergies, and skin infections. Authorities must move swiftly and close the premises,” said Njuguna.
For instance, Doreen Awinja, another resident, said children are the most affected by the plant’s emissions, noting that since its establishment a year ago, children have been suffering from persistent coughs, colds, and other respiratory illnesses.
“The government should act immediately to protect us,” she said.
Moreover, Ndung’u Gatiu, a homeowner, added that the factory’s establishment and operations remained unclear to locals, fuelling suspicions of irregular approvals.
Documents seen by journalists reveal that NEMA had previously ordered the factory owner to halt operations pending investigations. However, residents claim the directive was ignored.
The plant, which began operations about a year ago, was only discovered by locals after they noticed trucks offloading materials and ferrying away finished products.
Residents now want both the national and Kiambu county governments to intervene, saying their right to a safe and clean environment is being violated.
By Muoki Charles
