By Janet Nyanchoka
Senator Richard Onyonka of Kisii County has called for speedy investigations into quarrying activities that are reportedly causing significant environmental degradation and human rights violations in the region.
Speaking in Parliament, Onyonka asked for a comprehensive statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources to address pressing concerns stemming from unregulated quarry operations in his county.
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The concerns include destruction of natural resources and “critical ecosystems being compromised.”
This, Onyonka said, was contributing to the loss of biodiversity and water pollution.
The unfolding scenario poses significant health risks to residents.
Quarrying had also contributed to soil erosion and previously arable lands had become agriculturally unproductive.
The Senator singled out a company reportedly owned by Chinese nationals, accusing it displacing people through coercion.
He said the affected residents were vacating their land without adequate compensation.
The company had also destroyed property to facilitate mining operations.
Bribery and intimidation
Onyonka said he had received reports that suggest the use of bribery and intimidation to force residents off their land and to silence them.
Affected areas include Kiomooncha and Marani Sub-location in Kitutu Chache South Constituency, “where quarry operations are causing significant environmental damage.”
Also affected is Mote Momwamu area, situated on Kisii and Nyamira counties boundary.
“The site is witnessing the extraction of an unidentified black mineral,” Onyonka said.
(A separate source identified the mineral as Kaolin).
Tabaka area, which is known for soapstone carvings is also affected.
Tabaka, according to Onyonka, is reportedly supplying raw materials some company for tile manufacturing, without residents getting commensurate returns.
Onyonka called upon the House committee to provide a detailed report on the status of licenses granted to companies undertaking quarrying activities in the aforementioned areas.
It should also establish whether the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry conducted environmental impact assessments prior to granting operational licenses, and share the findings.
To protect residents’ rights, the committee should also provide detailed steps taken to ensure that displaced individuals receive compensation as contemplated by the laws of the land.
It should also mitigate environmental damage through tangible measures.
The senator referred the House to the Kenya Kwanza (KK) Alliance manifesto, which advocates for local value addition in mining activities.
The manifesto stipulates that companies engaged in mining should establish local factories to employ residents and enhance the value of extracted minerals.
Senator Onyonka expressed concern over the apparent lack of adherence to this policy in Kisii County.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, he urged the committee to address the highlighted issues promptly.
