Kitui County Governor H.E Julius Malombe, Machakos Governor H.E Wavinya Ndeti and Director Genera Mr. Mamo Boru Mamo appeared before Land, Environment and Natural Resources Committee Chaired by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, to deliberate on Statement Sought by Senator Tabitha Mutinda, on the regulation of sand harvesting in Kitui and Machakos Counties.

Governor Malombe told the Committee that Kitui County Government have Constituted a Taskforce on Sand Harvesting and Management, the purpose of the taskforce was to review and evaluate the current sand harvesting and management practices, including participation, transportation, revenue collection and environmental concerns and to develop drafts for both the Kitui County River Basins sand utilization and Conservation Policy bill.

‘’The legal framework above is aimed at putting in place mechanisms to coordinate, supervise and regulate Sand value Chain management for sustainable environmental and socio-economic development.’’ Kitui Governor added 

Governor Wavinya Ndeti, in her response told the Committee that there is rampant sand harvesting in Machakos County leading to Environmental and Social Impacts; the harvesting has led to reduction of water retention leading to expedited drying rivers, lowering of water table hence causing desertification, increase in soil erosion and siltation of rivers reducing water volumes, sand harvesting has also led to deaths due to landslides and collapsing of the tunnels. 

On innervations taken by Machakos County Government to ensure sustainable sand harvesting; Governor Wavinya informed the Committee that, there is an ongoing development of Machakos County sand regulation, Enforcement of Environment laws and policies, County is preparing for Environmental education and sensitization to the residents and also implementation of Machakos County sand harvesting Act, 2014. 

Director General Mr. Mamo Boru in his response on actions taken my NEMA to ensure sustained enforcement of law and regulations pertaining to sand harvesting in Machakos and Kitui, affirmed to the Committee that, NEMA and County Government conduct regular inspections to minimize illegal sand harvesting, the Authority has undertaken approximately 47 inspections in Machakos County and 35 inspections in Kitui County some of which have been on sand harvesting within the Counties.

‘’The Authority have been imposing punitive fines and penalties on offenders in law, restriction of sand harvesting and transportation working hours to daytime only (6am to 6pm) and promotion of construction of gabions and sand dams along the threatened river beds where sand harvesting is practiced sponsored by African Sand Foundation (NGO).’’ DG NEMA added.

Legislators recommend that the two Governors work hand in hand with National Environmental Management Authority, to ensure this menace of Sand harvesting is reduced in both Counties for the benefits of the residents and safe Environment. 

Other Senators in attendance were, Vice Chair Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, Sen. Johnes Mwaruma, Sen. Beatrice Ogolla, Sen. Agnes Kavindu, Sen. William Cheptumo and Sen. Mariam Omar. Senator Tabitha Mutinda who sought the Statement and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua attended.