GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 2558

Pursuant to regulation 21 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, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, is proposing to undertake National Performance Trials (NPTs) for Insect Resistant (Boligard II) Cotton commonly referred to as Bt-Cotton at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) designated NPT sites in nine centers: Mwea, Katumani, Kampi ya Mawe, Bura, Perkerra, Kibos, Alupe, Kerio Valley(Barwessa) and Matuga. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Soil erosion * No excavations will be carried out in the NPT fields, except ploughing. • Use of recommended agronomic and soil fertility maintenance measures will help in controlling soil erosion Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Biodiversity • Time and/or distance isolation from other conservation (flora cotton or related crops shall be maintained to and fauna) gene restrict genetic escape. flow • A buffer zone shall also be provided between the Bt cotton NPTs and other cotton fields, if any. • The proponent shall ensure proper disposal of plant materials at the end of the project to avoid pilferage. Livestock • No livestock grazing fields will be opened up production for the NFL' trials. Water quality of the • None of the proposed fields is located on river or near water riparian land or near water bodies where bodies rainwater off Site could flow residual pesticides and fertilizer-nutrients into. Infrastructure • Minimal infrastructure e.g. infield irrigation canals will be constructed in some trial sites to supplement rainfed farming. • An appropriate design of the irrigation system will be done to avoid any negative impact Sedimentoads • Where supplemental irrigation will be carried out, appropriate irrigation Structure will be erected to minimize sediment loads. • Equally no sediment loads will leave the fields unless excessive flooding occurs. Malaria and other • No construction works are involved thus no waterbome excavations that may enable stagnation of diseases water. • Existing farm fields shall be used. Pollution- air and • Initial land preparation during the dry dust season may lead to minor dust pollution due to ploughing. However, ploughing will be done when the soil moisture is conducive to the operation. • In subsequent farm operations, there would be minimal air pollution due to gradual crop cover by the crop. • Strict adherence to Air Quality Regulations, 2014. Human-wildlife . Night and day watchmen will be hired to conflict watch and prevent incursions by wildlife. Waste disposal • At the NPT plots set up phase, no bushes or (generation, tree stumps will be generated since the land collection and is currently under agricultural use. disposal) • During operation, agrochemical and fertilizers bags may be generated. However the project will put in place appropriate waste management plans. • At harvest time, KEPHIS will provide appropriate measures for the disposal of stalks, seed and lint. HIV and AIDS • Few staff will be engaged in the project • However the project management as part of its occupational safety and health program will promote awareness of its employees about the risk and prevention of HIV/AIDS and voluntary use of preventive measures i.e. condoms will be availed in wash rooms. Security Introduction of NPT on Bt-Cotton could attract incidences of vandalism/invasion from anti-GMO activists although during the 10 years of CFT no such a incidence has ever been recorded in Kenya. impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • The proponent will employ preventive mechanisms and stakeholder involvement in safeguarding the NPTs. • Data may be lost through livestock grazing on the crop. • The centers will provide security to the NPT sites since results will be required at the end of the project. Social welfare • There will be minimal effect on social welfare as the NPTs will only last for a maximum of two seasons attracting minimal employment opportunities. • However, local community will be given priority when hiring unskilled labour without discrimination, corruption or sex exploitation or harassment as per the laid down KALRO Codes of Conduct Policies. • To increase awareness about Bt-Cotton, the sites will be open to the public at times agreeable with the centre management. Occupational health • KEPHIS shall provide guidelines on product and safety handling and management. • All workers on the project will be sensitized on occupational health and safety aspects and supplied with appropriate working attire e.g. masks, gloves, gum boots and first aid kits. • Varieties safety shall be well labelled to ensure no mix up of treatments. • Comply with the provisions of OSHA 2007. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, NHIF Building, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30126-00100, Nairobi Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi County Director of Environment, Kisumu County County Director of Environment, Busia County County Director of Environment, Baringo County County Director of Environment, Kwale County County Director of Environment, Kirinyaga County County Director of Environment, Machakos County County Director of Environment, Makueni County County Director of Environment, Tana River County 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 of the plan. GEOFFREY WAHUNGU, Director-General, MR/4 187431 National Environment Management Authority. GAZErFE NOTICE NO. 2560 KUKUMART HOTEL DisposAL OF UNCOLLECTED GOODS NOTICE is issued in pursuance of the Disposal of Uncollected Goods Act. (Cap. 38) to the owner of Isuzu Forward, registration No. KAE 3 l2Q, currently lying at the premises of Kukumart Hotel, P.O. Box 256, Athi River, Kiungani Road, Syokimau within Machakos. If 16th March, 2018 THE KENYA GAZETTE 815 the said vehicle is not removed within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice, the vehicle shall be sold by public auction or private treaty to defray storage and other accrued charges. W. J. M. MANDA, MR/41 87120 Proprietor, Kukumart Hotel.