Sukari Industries Limited in Ndhiwa Sub County, HomaBay County has met all environmental compliance standards set by National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).
Homa Bay county Director of Environment Jacob Asembo said that the company got a clean bill following an independent water quality assessment by the environmental authority.
The company’s effluent discharge is deemed to comply with the Kenya Water Quality Regulations 2024.
He said the assessment, conducted on July 18, 2025, involved sampling water from five points along River Kuja and associated underground water sources.
“All tested parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, and chemical oxygen demand, were within permissible limits.” Asembo said.
A fortnight ago, the Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources visited the factory on a fact-finding mission on its compliance to environmental laws.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla had tabled a petition before the committee after residents complained that the factory is polluting River Kuja.
The NEMA report however pointed to elevated turbidity and suspended solids both upstream and downstream of the factory, caused by poor farming practices and destruction of riparian vegetation by local communities.
“River Kuja is under stress due to upstream land encroachment,” Mr Asembo explained,
He urged the company to partner with the local community in afforestation efforts along the riverbanks.
Asembo assured that underground water sources showed no contamination from Sukari’s operations. The local community relies heavily on under groundwater for domestic use.
Community representative Milton Orwe Obote, who participated in the assessment, acknowledged the results.
During the Senate Committee’s visit, Senator Faki Mohamed Mwinyihaji who chairs the committee told management at the factory to improve community relations.
He urged greater transparency and dialogue, emphasizing the need for communities to elect representatives who can engage meaningfully with the company, fostering a more harmonious relationship.
The company has established a fully-fledged communications department dedicated to community engagement.
Sukari’s Communications Manager Edward Ahonobadha welcomed the independent findings as validation of the company’s environmental stewardship.
“Our underground water sources show no impact from operations, proving that our waste management systems work,” he said.
Mr Ahonobadha also stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue through newly established communication channels.
By Davis Langat
