Senators have criticized the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry for what they described as weak enforcement of environmental laws.
The concerns were raised during Wednesday, July 15, Senate plenary as Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo appeared before the House to respond to questions on the government’s preparedness to tackle industrial pollution, hazardous waste, and toxic exposure.
The heated debate was prompted by a question from Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana, who sought details on the enforcement measures the ministry has put in place to curb industrial pollution, unsafe disposal of electronic waste, toxic dumping, and other practices that expose Kenyans to hazardous substances in the air, water, and soil.
She also sought clarification on coordination between the ministry, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), county governments, and other regulatory agencies in addressing environmental risks.
Senators who joined the debate argued that Kenya already has sufficient environmental laws and policies, but accused the ministry of failing to translate them into meaningful action.
They also criticized NEMA, saying the authority had become part of the problem rather than the solution, and called on the Cabinet Secretary to strengthen oversight of the regulator to ensure it effectively carries out its mandate.
“The Legislators argued that despite Kenya having an elaborate legal and policy framework to address environmental degradation, implementation remained weak, leaving Kenyans exposed to hazardous industrial emissions, toxic waste, unsafe disposal of electronic waste and contaminated water sources,” Parliament said.
In response, CS Mulongo said Kenya has an extensive legal framework to combat environmental degradation, anchored in the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, and several regulations covering air quality, water quality, waste management, and hazardous chemicals.
The Environment CS also told Senators that NEMA had intensified enforcement activities during the last financial year, including inspections of 101 facilities within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area to curb illegal discharge of industrial effluent into rivers and waterways.
“She disclosed that inspectors carried out enforcement operations on 101 facilities within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area to curb illegal discharge of industrial effluent into rivers and waterways. The Authority has also embarked on identifying and shutting down 400 illegal discharge points along the Athi-Galana-Sabaki River system,” Parliament added.
