GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 3508

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, the National Environment Management Authority, (NEMA) has received an environmental impact assessment study report for the implementation of the proposed subdivision of Konza ranch. The proposed project involves subdivision of the 17,479 acres Konza ranch into agricultural, commercial and utilities parcels. The project will end up with 3,751 acres commercial plots and 17,479 acres residential plots. The proposed project is located on LR. Nos. 9918, 5936, 7714, 1741/2, 1741/1, 1734, 5933/2, 5933/1, 363, 1731/R, 1742, 1732/2, 4938, 7713, 1740 and 7225/2. All this land has a total acreage of 17,479 acres, Malili division, Mukaa district. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impacts Mitigation measures Soil erosion Control earthworks &compact loose soils. Ensure management of any excavation activities. Control activities especially during rainy conditions. River valleys, steep hills will be declared public areas and not allocated to individuals. Bush clearance to be limited only to areas earmarked for cultivation. Use cultivation methods that protect the soil such as contour ploughing in sloppy areas. Sensitise members on the dangers of overstocking and why they must respect the carrying capacity of the land. Re- vegetate previously degraded areas wherever possible. Flora and fauna Work only according to the survey briefs. Surveyor to Endeavour to access only areas where beacons are to be placed. Avoid allocating sensitive ecological areas to individuals. Changes in hydrology/ impended drainage Avoid allocating to members river valleys, steep hill sides and identified wetlands. Ensure efficiency of drainage structures through proper design and maintenance. Use society funds to vegetate degraded valleys and hillsides. Public health and occupational safety Train staff/workers on occupational health and safety. Transport of materials Use well serviced trucks. Use tarpaulin to cover transport trucks. Bring to site only required material. Possible Impacts Mitigation measures Solid wastes Bring only required materials to site. Avoid unnecessary excavations. Compost organic waste on site. Stockpile all mortar aggregate and use as landfill on the ranch. Air pollution Work only on designated areas. Engage sensitive construction workers. Deforestation and bush clearance Sensitise members on environment conservation. Enforce provision of the Agriculture Act 2003 Amendment that calls for 10% of land to be put under forests/trees. Encourage members to plant trees along the fences. Encourage members to use plants such as kei-apple, euphorbia etc as fences/hedges around their parcels. Sensitise members on the dangers of overstocking and why they must respect the carrying capacity of the land. Sensitise members on the advantages of planting drought resistant food crops. Loss of wildlife habitat Set aside ecologically sensitive areas as nature conservation blocks within the ranch. Partner with Government Agencies and NGO’s to come up with best ways of managing the animals within the community. Sensitise the members on the importance of conserving our wildlife. Partner with KWS to relocate the cheetahs to designated game reserves as they are an endangered species. Partner with KWS to relocate unmanageable game to designated parks. Fragmentation of land to uneconomical units Rigorously Enforce the zoning laws. Set minimum sizes for parcels in agricultural zones. Aesthetic loss Avoid vegetation clearance on hilltops, valleys. Preserve all mature trees as much as is practical. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, N.H.I.F. Building, Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi. (c) Provincial Director of Environment, Eastern Province. (d) District Environment Officer, Makueni District. 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 approval process of the project. B. M. LANGWEN, for Director-General, MR16680064 National Environment Management Authority. THE KENYA GAZETTE 8th April, 2011