The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has pledged to hold the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) accountable for restoring the environment at Thange in Makueni County, where an oil spill from a punctured pipeline has polluted land and water sources for nearly a decade.
The spill, which occurred in 2015, has been a nightmare to the residents as it’s linked to rising cases of kidney and liver diseases in the affected community. Medical reports seen by the Nation indicate that exposure to the contaminated soil and water may be contributing to the alarming health crisis in the area.
NEMA Director-General Boru Mamo Speaking during the national celebrations for World Meteorological Day in Makindu township in presence of Governor Mutula Kilonzo jr, Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno, and other key leaders including Thange Ward Representative Eric Katumo, Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu, and Makueni Devolution Executive Nicholas Nzioka acknowledged the ongoing crisis, saying the agency would work closely with the Makueni County Government to ensure environmental restoration
“It is unfortunate that the Thange community is still grappling with the effects of the oil spill. We are working closely with the Makueni County Government to ensure that we address the issues of the Thange oil spill.” Boru stated.
He confirmed that NEMA’s Makueni County Director, Vincent Oloo, would be part of a newly formed task force to oversee the restoration process.
“Our Makueni County director Vincent Oloo will sit in that task force to ensure we give our citizens a clean environment,” He added.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior took the opportunity to pressure NEMA into action while weighing in, criticizing KPC’s cleanup efforts and calling for a stronger response from NEMA.
“We are not satisfied with the work KPC has done to clean the Thange oil mess. The river is still polluted, and the environmental damage remains.” Stated governor Mutula Kilonzo.
“We want NEMA to issue a restoration order compelling KPC to take full responsibility,” he added.
As pressure mounts, affected residents and local leaders now await decisive action from NEMA and KPC to address the long-standing environmental and health crisis in Thange.
