GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 12990

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above- proposed project. The proponent, Ministry of Defence proposes to design and construct social amenities for the protection, restoration, rehabilitation and beautification works within Nairobi River basin. The proposed project will comprise of a None Motorized Transport ( Pedestrian walkways, cycle lanes and security lightings ), A new trunk sewer line of approximately 60km on both side of the river bank from Naivasha road to Dandora falls, expansion of Kariobangi sewage treatment by constructing an additional 60,000m3 per day system, pedestrian bridges to improve connectivity, understanding river dredging, widening river bank protection and stabilization and modern landscaping & beautification to enhance urban environment within the Nairobi Rivers Basin, Nairobi City County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Soil erosion and sedimentation • Construct temporary surface drainage systems (e.g., diversion ditches, berms) to direct runoff away from exposed soils. • Install silt traps, sedimentation basins, and check dams to capture sediments before discharge into natural watercourses. • Apply mulch, erosion control blankets, or geotextiles on exposed soils and embankments to reduce surface runoff velocity and protect against rainfall impact. • Reinforce river dredging and widening areas with appropriate bank protection Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures techniques as specified in engineering designs. • Limit stockpiling of soil and construction materials near drainage lines or riverbanks. All stockpiles shall be surrounded by silt fences. Air pollution (dust, machinery emissions and foul smell) • Regularly spray water on unpaved haul roads and access roads at least once daily to suppress dust. Erect hoardings around areas with high dust-generating activities to contain dispersion. • Maintain construction vehicles and machinery in good working conditions through regular servicing, and switching off engines when not in use to minimize emissions. • Dust-prone materials shall not be loaded to a level higher than the side and tail boards, and shall always be covered with a strong tarpaulin. • During periods of high wind, dust- generating operations shall be prohibited within 200 meters of residential areas. • Cover stockpiles of loose materials with dust shrouds or tarpaulins to prevent wind- blown dust. Water pollution • Store fuels, oils, paints, and other hazardous materials in secure, covered areas with secondary containment to prevent accidental spills leaking into the river. • Designate specific refueling areas with spill containment systems, away from the riverbanks and storm water drains. • Maintain on-site spill kits and train personnel in spill prevention, containment, and response procedures. • Provide mobile toilets and hand washing stations for construction workers, to be regularly serviced by licensed waste handlers. • Clean up exposed waste near the river and construct leachate collection systems including HDPE pipes and concrete drainage channels. Noise pollution • Inform residents prior to construction about the anticipated noise levels and duration. • Conduct regular interviews with residents adjacent to construction sites to identify concerns. This will be used to adjust working hours of noisy machinery. • Regularly monitor noise levels at sensitive areas as per EMCA (Noise and Vibration) Regulation 2009. If noise is exceeded by more than 3-dB, equipment and construction conditions shall be checked, and appropriate mitigation measures instituted to rectify the situation. • The construction activities shall be restricted to daytime from 0700hrs to 1700hrs. Solid and liquid waste management • Provide suitable waste storage containers at workers' construction sites. Install appropriately color-coded waste collection bins and ensure they are placed away from sensitive receptors. 6212 6212 Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures • Regularly transport the construction waste to an approved disposal facility through a registered NEMA waste handler. • Prohibit the burning of construction waste and encourage the reuse and recycling of solid waste to the greatest extent practically possible. Dredged sediments • The contractor will prepare a Construction Waste Management Plan as part of the C- ESMP in alignment with GIIP and national regulation requirements. • Use geotextile tubes, dewatering basins, or settling ponds to separate water from dredged sediments before transportation to landfills or abandoned quarry sites. • Stabilize contaminated sediments with lime, cement, or bentonite to prevent leaching. Disruption of utilities/access • The contractor will conduct detailed mapping using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and consult with utility service providers (e.g., Nairobi Water, Kenya Power, Safaricom). • The contractor will notify service providers early and plan for temporary rerouting or supporting services during construction. • The contractor will establish on-site emergency repair teams to handle accidental damage to utilities immediately. • Stagger construction works to minimize simultaneous access blockages in the same locality. • The contractor shall provide clearly marked detours, temporary footbridges, and vehicle bypasses. Solid waste accumulation along riverbanks and walkways • Install labeled and covered bins at strategic intervals along walkways, parks, recreational spaces, and public gathering areas. • Develop and enforce a strict waste collection schedule (daily/weekly depending on foot traffic). • Run regular sensitization campaigns on proper waste disposal through signage, local media. • Collaborate with community-based organizations (CBOs) to monitor waste hotspots and report illegal dumping. • Register and integrate informal waste pickers into formal systems; and • Regularly clear trapped waste to avoid clogging and flooding. Sewer blockage or leakage (new trunk sewer • Establish a proactive inspection schedule to monitor leaks, blockages, or structural weaknesses. • Periodically flush and desilt sewer lines to prevent buildup of solids, grease, and debris. Degradation of green landscaping • Engage professional landscapers or trained local personnel to manage upkeep. Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures • Fence or demarcate landscaped areas clearly with signage to prevent foot traffic and unauthorized use. • Engage local residents, youth groups, and schools in “adopt-a-park” or “adopt-a- riverbank” programs. Pollution of river water from domestic and commercial sources • Ensure all domestic and commercial premises within the riparian zone are connected to the expanded trunk sewer system. • Enforce the use of proper sanitation facilities and prohibit direct discharge into the river. • Monitor commercial and industrial facilities for compliance with NEMA’s Effluent Discharge Standards. • Increase access to regular and reliable solid waste collection services in nearby settlements and market areas. The 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, P.O. Box 30126–00100, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Nairobi City County. A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke The National Environment Management Authority 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 regarding this project. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/7803555 National Environment and Management Authority.