A decade after an oil spill devastated Thange Ward in Kibwezi East, Makueni County, residents are still grappling with its long-term effects, including severe health complications, agricultural losses, and economic hardship.
Despite repeated calls for action, affected families say little has been done to restore the environment or compensate them.
The 2015 spill contaminated soil and water sources, leading to livestock deaths and widespread health concerns.
A 2018 County Assembly report recommended environmental restoration and compensation for victims, but residents claim these measures are yet to be fully implemented.
Speaking on Musyi FM recently, Thange Ward MCA Eric Katumo painted a grim picture of the current situation, revealing that 70 percent of the deaths in the area are linked to the oil spill effects.
“As we speak, there are people whose kidneys and bones no longer function properly due to the effects of the oil spillage,” Katumo stated.
He further noted that a significant number of children from the region have been hospitalized, with some residents frequently seeking treatment at Makindu and Kenyatta hospitals.
One case he highlighted involved a local who must visit Makindu Hospital regularly to have water drained from his body, paying Ksh 4,000 per session.
The severity of the crisis has forced Makueni County to allocate funds for medical bills in its budget to support affected residents.
“You find that these people have nothing—they are too weak to farm or do daily chores, yet they need money for medical treatment,” Katumo explained.
“The county is currently covering medical expenses for more than 100 people in Kibwezi, Makindu, and Kenyatta hospitals.” He added.
Despite the suffering, the responsible parties have failed to take action, leaving residents with little hope of justice or environmental restoration.
As the affected community continues to struggle, local leaders are urging both the national government and Kenya Pipeline to take responsibility and provide immediate intervention, including healthcare support, compensation, and environmental rehabilitation.
