El Nino: NEMA issues 6 guidelines
By Peter Ochieng
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued six guidelines aimed at reducing the effects of the impending El Nino rains.
The Kenya Metrological department has issued an early warning, concerning the possibility of the country experiencing El Nino rains from October to about January, 2024.
NEMA, in a notice shared online on Tuesday morning gave six directives which seek to reduce the impact of the rains.
“In previous flooding incidents, u urban areas have experienced clogging of the drainage infrastructure by waste especially from packaging, textiles and diapers among others. This exacerbates the flooding menace leading to loss of life and property. Further, the post-consumer waste degrades our wetland ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, swamps, oceans among others,” the notice reads in part.
The directives include members of the public ensuring that they keep off ecologically sensitive areas prone to flood incidences such as riparian, hill tops and areas prone to land-slides.
“County governments and other relevant entities to ensure storm drains are cleared of any materials that hinder free flow of storm water,” said NEMA.
“Owners of dams, water pans and earth dams and other water bodies should institute appropriate risk management measures including dam inspections, monitoring and maintenance systems, emergency preparedness, communication and community outreach systems to safeguard public safety and the environment.”
Additionally, NEMA wants all project owners to ensure that they adhere to the conditions of the environmental impact assessment licenses issued by the authority, as well as the environmental management plans submitted to NEMA.
In addition, operators and owners of any facility storing chemicals have been directed to take appropriate measures to prevent flood water getting into contact with the chemicals.
“Section 13 of the sustainable waste management Act, 2022 requires producers to bear mandatory extended producer responsibility obligations to reduce pollution and environmental impacts of the products they introduce to the Kenyan market and waste arising therefrom. In this regard the producers should ensure that their post-consumer waste does not clog drainage systems, obstruct flow of rivers or cause pollution to the ecosystems. The Authority shall not hesitate to take legal action on any producer and associated Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO) whose product or packaging is found littering the environment.”
NEMA says its officers remain committed to ensuring a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for all.
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