GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 77

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, Cap. 387, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Kenya Electricity Generating Company intends to rehabilitate and raise the Masinga dam volume by raising spillway level to generate more energy and better regulate flooding downstream on Tana River. Masinga Dam is one of the five dams that make the Seven-Forks cascade of dams. This is due to its location in the upstream of the Seven-Forks cascade and the larger size of its reservoir. The project’s immediate catchment traverses Embu, and Machakos counties, while the expected extended zone traverses Kitui, Garissa and Tana River counties. This involves raising the spillway wall of Masinga dam by 1.5 meters, leading to more water dammed and retained in the reservoir (volume increase of 170 hm3). A new spillway will be installed with piano key weirs (PKW) to increase the efficiency of the discharge capacity of the dam. The new spillway will be constructed parallel to the current spillway. Excavation work will be needed to construct the spillway and a new road will be installed IN Embu and Machakos Counties. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible impact Mitigation Measures Occupational health and accidents. • Develop and implement Safe Working Procedures for work including procedures such as Transport Procedures, Permit to Work procedures, Job Safety Analysis, and Working at Height Procedures among others. • Develop Site Impact Management Plan (SIMP) plan that will be approved by KenGen. This plan should address all safety and health concerns anticipated on the project and how they will be addressed. • Provide comprehensive safety training for all workers involved in the project. This should include training on the proper use of machinery, tools, and vehicles, as well as emergency procedures and first aid. • Mandate the use of appropriate PPE for all workers to minimize the risk of injury. • Implement clear traffic management plans for vehicle movement on construction sites to prevent collisions and accidents. Health hazards and diseases. • Drain the pits to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water. • Use approved larvicides or insecticides to treat stagnant water in the pits, targeting mosquito larvae. 34 34 Possible impact Mitigation Measures • Install secure fencing, barriers, or other physical obstacles around open water bodies to prevent easy access. • Place clear and visible warning signs around the area to alert people of the potential drowning hazard. Road traffic disruption • Implement clear traffic management plans for vehicle movement on construction sites to prevent collisions and accidents. • Establish and enforce speed limits for project vehicles within the construction area to enhance safety for workers, pedestrians, and other motorists. • Install clear traffic signs and indicators to guide project-related vehicles and ensure safe navigation. Solid waste generation • Create a comprehensive waste management plan that outlines strategies for collecting, segregating, storing, transporting, and disposing of different types of waste. • Set up designated collection points for waste within the construction area to facilitate proper waste disposal. • Establish a schedule for regular waste collection and disposal to prevent the accumulation of waste on-site. Water Pollution • Train workers in proper handling and storage of fuels, lubricants, and toxic materials to prevent spills. • Use secondary containment systems around machinery and equipment to capture potential spills. • Implement stormwater management measures to prevent runoff from carrying contaminants into water bodies. Effluent generation and discharge • Hazardous Substance Handling and Storage Management Plan, including a spill contingency plan will be developed and implemented by the Contractor. • Implementation of sewage treatment system adapted to the number of people leaving in the worker camps • A soil, slope stability and erosion control plan will be developed and implemented by the Contractor. • Limit deforestation near waterways to the absolute minimum required for construction. • A water quality monitoring plan will be developed • Daily monitoring of construction sites by the Environmental Supervisor; Dust and Emissions pollution. • Regular service of machinery to meet the relevant emission standards; • Equipment to be used in the project to comply with recognized performance design standards. • All emission-producing equipment will be operated only when necessary and unnecessary idling of equipment will be avoided. • Vehicle washing facilities provided to minimize the quantity of material deposited on public roads. • Restrict heights from which materials are dropped, as far as practicable, to minimize the fugitive dust arising from unloading/loading. Possible impact Mitigation Measures Increased social disturbance. • Development of an induction program, including a Code of Conduct, for all the workers directly related to the project. • A copy of the Code of Conduct will then be presented to all workers and signed by each person. • The Code of Conduct developed must address respect for local religion and culture, zero tolerance to illegal activities and other EMP requirements. • Implement a GRM for receiving and addressing complaints. Soil contamination. • Train workers on proper handling and storage of fuels, chemicals, and construction materials to prevent spills onto the soil. • Use secondary containment systems to prevent spilled liquids from reaching the soil. • Keep records of waste generation, disposal, and recycling to monitor waste management practices. High levels of noise and vibration. • Prior communication about proposed drilling will always be given to the community and local leadership for ample preparation. Where necessary, they will be advised to avoid some sections at certain times of the construction phase for safety reasons • Construction activities will be undertaken during daytime hours to minimize noise during sensitive times including early mornings or late evenings. • Noisy equipment will be sited with regard to or away from sensitive receptors whenever possible. • Prohibit off-road driving Vegetation degradation; • Develop an Invasive Species Management Plan. • Revegetate or rehabilitate construction areas, prioritizing the use of native plants and community labour. • Develop a plan for restoring and rehabilitating any areas impacted by invasive species as a result of construction activities. A full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, NHIF Building, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) County Director of Environment, Embu County. (c) County Director of Environment, Machakos County. A copy of the EIA report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke NEMA invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice to the Director General, NEMA to assist the Authority in the decision-making process for this project. Kindly quote ref. No. NEMA/ENVIS/SR/00077 Comments can also be e-mailed to info@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/7897986 National Environment and Management Authority. 2nd January, 2026 THE KENYA GAZETTE