Tobiko wants NEMA granted arresting powers

Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has proposed changes to environment laws to give government agencies powers to investigate and arrest law breakers.

Speaking after making an impromptu visit to the National Environment Management Agency (NEMA) head offices in Nairobi on Tuesday at 7 am, Tobiko said there are gaps in the law that have made it difficult for environmental agencies like NEMA to crackdown on those who violate environmental laws and regulations.

“My first task will be to ensure that government agencies in my docket have the enabling environment required to flourish and this can only be possible if they have the legal framework to do so and if they are funded sufficiently,” said Mr. Tobiko.

He said that NEMA officials should be given the powers to arrest law breakers instead of relying on police officers and county askaris to do that for them.

“NEMA should be given policing powers like The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and The National Construction Agency (NCA) to enable it function effectively as it stands NEMA cannot crack down on law breakers,” said Mr. Tobiko.

Mr. Tobiko officially took over from Judy Wakhungu on Monday, February 19.