The High Court in Naivasha has suspended mining activities by Chinese company Sinohydro Corporation in Kedong in Nakuru after residents protested over alleged air and noise pollution.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The court on Wednesday, October 7, issued conservatory orders halting the company’s quarrying operations, a day after hundreds of residents stormed the facility demanding its closure.

The residents accused the company of continuing with stone-crushing and blasting activities despite a stop order issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

The demonstrators, including parents from a neighbouring school, marched to the quarry located off Moi South Lake Road, carrying twigs and placards while demanding an end to the operations.

📌 What You Need to Know

The residents claimed that dust and blasting from the site over the past two months had affected nearby homes, schools and businesses, raising concerns over the impact of the activities on the surrounding community.

They further accused the Chinese investor of causing excessive air and noise pollution and vowed to continue holding weekly protests until the company complies with environmental regulations.

Area youth leader David Chege said residents were prepared to camp at the facility until the company stopped its operations, arguing that the community was seeking justice over the alleged environmental damage.

More than 300 residents took part in the protests, with the demonstrators maintaining that the quarry had continued operating despite restrictions imposed by environmental authorities.

Speaking to the protesters, NEMA Naivasha Environment Officer Jane Njihia confirmed that the company did not have a licence from either NEMA or the Nakuru County Government to conduct quarrying activities.

Njihia said the company had already been served with a stop order but allegedly ignored the directive and continued with its operations.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke