Today, NECC had a busy day investigating environmental complaints from Kilifi County residents. The team led by the Committee Secretary Ms. Mary Njogu accompanied by the Kilifi County Women’s Representative Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu commenced investigations with a courtesy call to the Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Samuel Mutisya who was standing in for the County Commissioner.
After that, the team had a consultative meeting with environmental stakeholders to gather more information about the complaints. Later, the team paid a courtesy call to the conservationist, Community representative and the former Coast MP Dr. Mtana Lewa and then to the DCC Chonyi subcounty Mr. Robbert Yesse regarding a complaint about the proposed establishment of a cement plant on an ecologically sensitive area in Pingilikani-Chonyi,Chasimba Location.
Finally, the joint team held a public Baraza with the area residents, along with the area chiefs, to gather additional information about the raised issues.
During the investigations, the NECC Secretary Ms.Mary Njogu emphasized the importance of environmental protection, stating that our treatment of the environment will reflect back on us.
She encouraged everyone to work together for a better environment and highlighted the significance of engaging stakeholders to address local concerns effectively.
The Women’s Representative Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu emphasized the role of state and non-state actors in advocating for environmental protection. She specifically mentioned the importance of safely disposing of asbestos to ensure a safe environment for citizens.
Nature Kenya representative Mr. Francis Kagema emphasized the need to strengthen policies and regulations to protect and conserve the environment for future generations.
He warned that encroaching on important biotic components could threaten biodiversity.
Some of the issues being addressed include;
1. Proposed establishment of a cement plant on an ecologically sensitive area in Pingilikani-Chonyi, Chasimba Location, Kilifi County
2. Proposed development of a hotel along the coastline that is a biodiversity rich area on plot L.R.No. Chembe/Kibabamshe/327, Mayungu
3. Proposed asbestos disposal site at Mkondoni Sub-location, Langobaya Location, Malindi
4. Commissioning of a project on a riparian area at Sandy Shore Beach Front Resort, Mferejini, Kikambala
5. Noise pollution from a church at Msumarini Village, Kikambala
Also present during the investigations were; Deputy County Commissioner Chonyi subcounty Mr. Robbert Yesse, William Odeyo – CDE NEMA, Jimmy Yaa – Kilifi County Director of Environment, Kevina Bwire – Public Health Officer amongst others
MaMa Doing Good
Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry
Environment Institute of Kenya – EIK
Elizabeth Wathuti – Liz Mazingira
