GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 1814

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 Railways Corporation proposes to rehabilitate 65 km of the Leseru-Kitale Meter Gauge Railway line which traverses through Uasin Gishu, Kakamega and Trans-Nzoia counties. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Project Proposed Mitigation and Aspects for Environmental and — Monitoring Social Impact Loss of vegetation ¢ Minimize clearing of unnecessary areas at the construction site. * Replant vegetation through landscaping upon completion. 18th February, 2022 THE KENYA GAZETTE 74) Project Environmental and Social lmpact Soil erosion Disruption of public utilities Air pollution Noise pollution Traffic safety Social issues - employment Proposed Mitigation and Aspects for Monitoring ¢ Replenish vegetation at the open areas of the stations area regularly. * Proper maintenance of trees and other vegetation at the stations area ¢ Construct efficient drainage structures (culverts, mitre drains, scour checks etc.). ¢ Control earthworks through cascading gabions and distribution channels for storm water. * Protect excavated sections of the route of storm water during heavy rains. * Regular cleaning and proper maintenance/repair of drainage structures. ¢ Design to incorporate existing public utilities and avoid disturbing the same. * Contractor to generate utility management plan and minimize damage to public utilitics. * Speed control of vehicles accessing the site. * Construction of bumps along the road near the railway l:nes/construction sites. * Proper maintenance of construction equipment per the manufacturer requirements. * Use of fuel-efficient and less pollution trains. * Maximizing cargo and passenger space utilization within safety standards to minimize specific fuel consumption. * Air quality monitoring along the viaduct and its immediate environs. * Regular Sensitization of workforce and residents on potential noise Jevels. ¢ Controlled operation of construction plant and equipment. * Strengthen contro] of locomotive whistle noise. * Use suitable train braking technology, bogie technology tend to reduce wear and tear as well as noise. * Noise pollution monitoring along the viaduct and its immediate environs. Contractor to prepare a Traffic Management Plan for approval to address the following issues. * Iniuation of a safety program and seasures by creating awareness and educational cumpaigns for workers and local comniunities. * Installation of appropriate road signage, speed signs, and other warning signs at the site and access roads. ¢ Utilization of local skilled and unskiiled workers. ¢ Employment of locals and considerations in job allocations especially for activities requiring unskilled labor. * Commussioning of other potential income generating activities along the ruil line. e.g. revitalization of fargescale agricultural Project Environmental and Social Impact Workers health and sanitation Asbestos roof removal HIV/AIDS, STDs Solid waste Alteration of the natural drainage system Occupational health and safety Proposed Mitigation and Aspects for Monitoring activities, livestock farming, tourism, etc. Contractor to provide clean and adequate sanitation facilities for the workers at all tunes. Coniractor shall also provide clean drinking water at the construction site for his workers at all times. Project proponent to provide clean and adequate sanitation facilities for the commuters. Dispose all Asbestos Containing Materials according to WBG/IFC EHS Gurdelines NEMA Guidelines/ requirements. Use recommended PPE. Ensure that all asbestos containing materials are clearly marked and visible. Develop safe work procedures. Initrate a sensitization and awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS and STDs to be done to workers and local community. Reduce risk of transfer through provision of male and female condoms for all workers. Maintain a continuous awareness program on health issues related to STDs and HIV/AIDS at the stations e.g. installing posters at the stations. Establish a well-planned method of solid disposal of debris/ garbage at the camp site and stations area. Provision of disposal bins at designated areas at the station area. Regular collection and disposal of garbage by the project proponent. All the collection bins and collection points/stations shall be properly maintained on regular basis. Improve the existing natural drainage systems. Monitor the natural flow system during heavy rains and make improvements where necessary. Clear blocked drainage channels by installing. open culverts. The contractor to prepare a Health and Safety Plan that will include considetation of the following. Provide adequate and right safety tools. and enforce usc of PPEs to all workers. The site shall be fenced off and provided with security at the access gates to reduce potential accidents and injuries to the public. 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, 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, Uasin Gishu County. (d) County Director of Environment, Kakamega County. (e) County Director of Environment, Trans Nzoia County. A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke The National Enviiunment Manugement Authority invites members of the public te submit oral or v ritter comments within thirty (30) days from thc date of pubhicatios of this noice 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/3235433 National Environment Management Authority.