GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 7614

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, Ndovu Rock Limited, proposes to establish a lime processing plant comprising of a hydrated lime plant ,a kiln section, storage and handling area, ancillary facilities, other associated facilities and amenities located on Plot L.R. No. Mutomo/Simisi/148, Kitui South Sub-County, Kitui County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Potential Impact Mitigation Measures CONSTRUCTION PHASE Habitat destruction and disturbance • Restrict vegetation clearing strictly to the minimum area required for construction and operations, • Identify and completely protect ecologically sensitive zones (e.g., wetlands, mature trees), • Conduct detailed pre-construction ecological walk-down; demarcate sensitive zones with “No-Go” fencing or signage, • Establish and maintain vegetated buffer zones around the project site using indigenous or fast-growing native species, • Plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses immediately after construction in designated buffer areas; use species suitable for local soil, • Educate workforce on biodiversity protection and “No-Go” zones. Noise and vibration • Schedule high-noise construction activities (e.g., blasting, primary/secondary crushing, heavy truck movements, and major maintenance) strictly between 08.00 and 18.00 hours on weekdays. • Fit high-efficiency silencers and mufflers on all exhaust systems of diesel engines, generators, compressors. • Develop and implement a Community Notification Protocol as part of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan. • Notify nearby households, schools, and community leaders at least 48–72 hours in advance of any scheduled high-noise activities. • Establish a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) specifically for noise-related complaints, with timely investigation and response. Potential Impact Mitigation Measures • Provision and mandatory use of hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) for workers in areas where noise exceeds 85 dB(A). Soil degradation and erosion • Restrict excavation and earthworks to designated project footprints to minimize unnecessary soil disturbance and preserve surrounding areas. • Clearly demarcate and enforce boundaries of working areas using visible markers or fencing to prevent accidental disturbance of soils outside the construction zones • Install temporary drainage structures such as channels, silt traps, and check dams to effectively manage surface runoff, minimize soil erosion, and control sedimentation during construction • Design and implement site drainage systems that effectively collect stormwater and channel it into a designated reservoir. This approach will minimize uncontrolled surface runoff, reduce erosion risks, and allow harvested water to be stored for potential reuse (e.g., dust suppression, irrigation of rehabilitated areas). • Replant cleared areas and establish buffer zones with indigenous vegetation to stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and promote ecological recovery. • Implement progressive rehabilitation throughout the construction phase, restoring disturbed areas as soon as activities are completed, rather than deferring restoration until project decommissioning. • Conduct routine site inspections to identify early signs of soil erosion, sediment deposition, or compaction, particularly after heavy rainfall events. • Adopt adaptive management practices by adjusting or reinforcing mitigation measures (e.g., strengthening drainage structures, reseeding vegetation, or soil aeration) based on monitoring outcomes to ensure continued effectiveness. Waste Generation • A Waste Management Plan (WMP) will be developed for the construction phase, emphasizing waste minimization at source, segregation for reuse, recycling of recoverable materials, and safe disposal of residual waste in compliance with the Waste Management Regulations, 2024, • Provision of adequate colour-coded bins on-site to facilitate The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Foresty, NHIF Building, 12th Floor, Ragati 2582 2582 Road, Upper Hill, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30126–00200, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Kitui County. A copy of the EIA report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke The National Environmental 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 for this project. Kindly quote ref. No. NEMA/ENVIS/SR/00528 Comments can also be e-mailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, MR/8126958 Director-General.