GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 9194

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, Rakam Investment Limited, is proposing to develop 50 beds inclusive of 46 tented suites and 4 family suites, two interconnecting conference rooms, restaurant, swimming pool, associated facilities and amenities in Narok County. Environmental Concerns Recommended Mitigation Measures Livestock grazing and wildlife habitat land take • Limited woody vegetation is cleared during lodge construction Night-time lights • Night-time light intrusion will be minimized by:- use of non-reflective, dark-coloured surfaces for all installations; installation of shielded and downward-directed light fixtures located close to the ground to reduce sky glow; using lights with low or filtered blue, violet and ultra-violet wavelengths, and; setting an appropriate compulsory switch off time for lights at night. High groundwater abstraction • Rain water harvesting will be undertaken to supplement the borehole water supply. Solid waste • Use of durable and eco-labeled products (hand towels, bed-linen, mattresses, furniture, fridges, vacuum cleaners, light bulbs etc.) with a long lifespan. • Waste separation (paper, plastics, metals and glass) will be undertaken at source using well labelled litter bins. The lodge management will adhere with the EMCA (Waste Management Regulations, 2006). Solar perimeter fence ecological impacts • Excessive vegetation clearance will be avoided during the siting and installation of solar panel by locating it in a degraded grassland patches. • Wildlife connectivity will be maintained for non-dangerous wildlife such as warthogs, dik- diks, hares. • The solar fence will include conspicuous warning signage: “HATARI” warning signs will be attached to the 3rd live wire at a spacing of approximately 100 metres. Negative visual impact • Using tents made of green, beige and brown colors combined with grass roof thatch that blends in with the natural environment. • Endowing the guest rooms with Masai décor (the décor will be bought from the locals). • Ensuring limited light intrusion during the night to minimize negative impacts on wildlife. Introduction of exotic invasive species (3) Appropriate washing and screening of all incoming construction machineries originating from other locations in order to avoid the transfer of dangerous invasive species. Construction waste (Excavation and trenching spoils (4) Safe removal, transportation and stocking- piling and re-use for Eco lodge back-filling and landscaping including beatification. Resource over- utilization (a) Water resources • The Eco lodge borehole will be metered at the main inlet and daily records taken for water use monitoring. • Rain water harvesting will be undertaken to supplement the borehole water supply in line with national policies, strategies and action plans. • Appropriate swimming pool sizing and optimized operations (e.g. low evaporation, zero-spillage options). • Eco lodge guests will be sensitized on water conservation during arrival briefings, through 6th November, 2020 THE KENYA GAZETTE Environmental Concerns Recommended Mitigation Measures information folders in the tents as well as “towel talks”. • Some laundry services will be outsourced to reduce water consumption. • Guest room toilets will be fitted with low- water use dual water cistern systems. (b) Energy • The Eco lodge will adopt total reliance on solar power (lighting, borehole water abstraction and distribution, water-heating, phone-charging, laptops, internet, Wi-Fi) like in other ecotourism facilities. • The Eco lodge will use LPG for cooking. • Low wattage energy saving bulbs will be used throughout the premises. • Eco lodge guests as well as staff members will be sensitized on the importance of energy conservation. Water pollution prevention and control Grey water from the lodge kitchen will be managed through a grease trap compartment before draining into a soak pit. • The rest of the grey water from the guest tents, staff quarters and public areas drains away directly into a bio digester and constructed wetland and water pan. • Use of underground diesel storage tank. Air pollution prevention • Eco lodge vehicles will be well serviced to reduce emissions beyond the acceptable thresholds. In addition, unnecessary idling of engines will be prohibited. Noise regulation • The Eco lodge management will ensure full compliance with the minimum noise levels for Silent Zones as prescribed in the EMCA (Noise and vibration Control Regulations, 2009). • Unnecessary idling of engines will be prohibited. • Loud music will be prohibited during Eco lodge events such as banquets and dances, weddings and celebrations parties. • The Eco lodge will car-pools its guests (6 visitors per vehicle) to reduce on the number of vehicles on game drives within the conservancy. Occupational safety hazards and risks • Full adherence with the National Environmental Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (2007) and compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, (2007). Fire hazards • LPG storage areas will be secured by a perimeter fence with conspicuous hazard signage. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, Community, 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, Narok 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 plan. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@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 plan. MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/1324470 National Environment Management Authority.