Kisumu County Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has sounded the alarm over escalating environmental degradation, citing unchecked sand and murram harvesting along roads and rivers.
He highlighted that reckless extraction, particularly in areas such as Kajulu, Nyakach and Miwani, is causing severe ecological damage, leading to land degradation, destruction of rural roads and disruption of fish breeding grounds.
Other adverse effects include noise pollution, school dropouts and damage to both private and public property.
Speaking to the media from his office, Nyong’o said the county government is enforcing environmental laws, including the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (1999, revised 2015), the Mining Act (2016) and the Kisumu County Sand, Murram and Minerals Harvesting Guidelines (2021), to curb the destruction.
Going forward, he warned that violators would face hefty fines, be required to restore damaged land and face legal action.
“Kisumu County is rich in various minerals spread across our eight sub-counties. These natural resources provide livelihoods for many, so we must harness them sustainably while conserving the environment,” he stated.
To strengthen the crackdown, the county government will collaborate with the State Department of Mining to regulate artisanal mining.
“We will enhance governance and formalization efforts through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to minimize the environmental impact of mining and promote sustainability,” Nyong’o added.
