NEMA restricts sand harvesting sites in Homa Bay

By Robert Mutasi

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has imposed a restriction on sand harvesting in Homa Bay County.

NEMA says the decision follows negative environmental implications that continuous sand harvesting has caused in the county.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, NEMA Homa Bay County Director Josiah Nyandoro said going forward, the residents must get a license from the authority or relevant government institutions before harvesting sand.

Nyandoro said they have already arrested a number of locals that were found contravening the recent order on sand harvesting.

"At the site, we found a very deplorable state that has been created as a result of sand harvesting," said the NEMA official in regard to the recent arrests made.

According to the NEMA official, sand harvesting has been a major concern amongst locals, with fears the activities might lead to deaths if not carefully handled.

"In order for a harvesting site to be licensed, we require an environmental assessment from NEMA," he said.

The law requires the state to sustainably utilize, exploit, manage and conserve the environment and natural resources and share the accruing benefits in an equitable manner. 

Sand harvesting has been and remains one of the main sources of income for a number of Kenyans in rural areas.