The National Environment Management Authority has raised alarm over rising cases of illegal miners harvesting sand alongside roads, rivers and on private land in Kwale county.
Nema county director Godfrey Wafula said the most affected areas are Matuga subcounty, especially in Waa-Ng'ombeni, and Kinondo in Msambweni constituency.
"We had a major challenge of people mining sand in unauthorised areas. Some invade private farms," he said.
Wafula said Nema has moved forward to tackle illegal sand harvesting and has laid down mechanisms to nab the perpetrators.
He said they are working with different security agencies to protect the environment and both public and private lands.
The director warned whoever will be found engaging in illegal mining, adding that any miners must adhere to the given rules and regulations.
He said local miners must consider environmental impact assessment and the required mining licences for responsible and sustainable mining operations.
Wafula said the miners must be able to give a proper procedure of safety and rehabilitation after mining activities.
Kwale has at least 25 known licensed mining sites, but many of the emerging local sites of sand, stones and pebbles operate illegally.
The situation has resulted in many casualties as some of the sites caved in, burying people alive.
Three months ago, Nema issued an ultimatum to the unlicensed small-scale miners and launched a crackdown on transit vehicles transporting sand and stones from illegal quarries.
Wafula said they will soon launch another major crackdown to permanently end the problem and stop environmental degradation.
The county director reiterated that the moratorium imposed on mining is still in place.
He warned locals especially in Kuranze against sneaking in to mine gemstones.
"The ban is still effective. Mine at your own risk because we will arrest you," he said.
Wafula said the small-scale miners should use the ban period to process licences for smooth operations once the moratorium is lifted.
The director also revealed that they have stepped up efforts to stop illegal use of banked polythene bags.
He said last week, they arrested five traders and charged them in a court of law.
Wafula said the banned plastic papers are mostly found in Kinango and Samburu subcounties.
"It is so unfortunate that despite the ban some people still secretly use them," he said.
The government banned the use of plastic bag carriers in 2017 because of environmental and health concerns.
Wafula said they have launched fresh awareness campaigns to educate locals against the use of plastic bags in the region.
He advised traders and residents to go for environmentally friendly and reusable bags to conserve the environment.
