The National Assembly Public Petitions Committee chaired by Hon. Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East) met stakeholders on a petition on pollution of River Athi. The petition was presented by Hon. Vincent Musyoka (Mwala) on behalf of the residents.

During the meeting, the Managing Director of Tana Athi River Development Authority (TARDA) Mr. Liban Roba informed the Committee that the mandate of the Authority  had been diluted and delegated to other agencies. As a result the Authority is not able to take effective action.

“River Athi is a source for Thwake Dam. You are part of the Nairobi River Commission, what are you doing to save Kenyans from fetching contaminated water with heavy metals?” asked Hon. Mbai.

In addition, the Committee raised issues with the County Government of Machakos for approving projects that do not meet the legally established standards.