Governor Mutua puts Kiambu, Nairobi counties on notice over Athi River pollution

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has put neighboring Kiambu and Nairobi counties on notice over pollution of Athi River.

Speaking on Monday in Makueni during a meeting of Thwake Dam stakeholders, Mutua said he will soon obtain closure orders of pollutants in the counties.

According to Mutua, the chemicals are intoxicating water in the river endangering lives of the people of Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Taita Taveta and Kilifi Counties.

During the meeting, the Governor gave companies in Machakos a one-week deadline which elapses on December 1st, to ensure they comply with the environmental regulations.

He further urged the companies to avoid dumping their waste into the river as a measure to save human and aquatic lives.

In his speech, the county boss warned corrupt environmental officers giving approval to companies to dump waste into Athi River and assured that there would be no mercy for greedy people enriching themselves at the expense of the health of residents.

The notice comes at a time when the country is engaged in the blue economy discussions at the global conference in Nairobi.

Also Read: What the Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi is all about

Athi River with a total length of 390 km is the second longest river in Kenya that passes through Machakos county to drain its waters in the Indian Ocean. It remains a major source of water to local residents along its banks especially in the lower parts of Machakos county.