Senator Tabitha Mutinda has sought a statement at Senate regarding the regulation of sand harvesting in Kitui County.

The legislator wants the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources to outline the actions undertaken by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and relevant County departments to ensure sustained enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to natural resources, including sand harvesting in Kitui County, in order to eliminate cartels exploiting the country’s natural resources without benefiting the residents, host counties and the national government.

She further requires the Committee to provide details of guidelines formulated and implemented by the Kitui County and NEMA in relation to sand harvesting, with a specific focus on managing and mitigating the impact of sand harvesting on the environment and host communities; as well as the measures being taken by the County and NEMA to carry out regular monitoring and inspection in order to guarantee compliance with environmental regulations regarding sand harvesting.

In conclusion, Sen. Mutinda would also like to know the measures put in place to stop illegal sand harvesting in Kitui County and the Country at large, including ensuring illegal harvesters are brought to book.