Kisumu Governor Prof.Anyang Nyong’o has warned Kisumu residents against illegal sand and murram harvesting along roads and rivers,stating that the destructive activities are threatening the ecosystem.
While addressing the media today Tuesday, March 25,2025 on environmental degradation, Governor Nyong’o confirmed the notable trend which he said posses as a threat to the environment.
“My government has observed a disturbing trend where these resources are being extracted with total disregard for existing laws and environmental regulations. Key areas such as Odhenyo Hills (Amimo Village, North Kapuoja), Kanyakwar, Kajulu, Nyakach, Usoma Beach, Kolwa Central, Miwani, Mbaka Oromo, North Seme, and others have become environmental hotspots due to greed-driven exploitation,” Nyong’o confirmed.
The environmental destruction Nyong’o said,will no longer be tolerated as some individuals have reportedly encroached on private and public land, including the Karateng’ Gazetted Forest.
The county government of Kisumu has affirmed that such actions of environmental degradation will attract hefty fines, and those responsible will be compelled to restore the damaged areas whereas, lawbreakers will be apprehended and prosecuted.
This follows a recent order by National Environment Management Authority(NEMA) to sand transporters highlighting that the Sand Harvesting Regulations, 2024 stated that one obtains transportation permit from NEMA , with an aim to reduce illegal transportation and harvesting of the commodity that is recently on high demand.
The county boss has affirmed that moving forward, his government will intensify enforcement efforts, and any individual caught violating environmental laws will face strict legal action.
He made a courtesy call to all Kisumu County residents to protect the environment since their survival depends on it.
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