Probe dumping of toxic nuclear waste in Wajir, urge MCAs

Wajir County Assembly has urged the national government to fastrack investigations into dumping of toxic waste in Northeastern.

Three months ago, reports emerged that former President Daniel Moi's regime allowed dumping of toxic nuclear waste in the region.

On July 2, the assembly formed a 15-member joint committee to investigate the claims.

The committee chaired by Dadajibula MCA Sahal Mogow interviewed residents in all the six subcounties.

On Tuesday, it presented a report to the office of the clerk of the National Assembly.

Mogow said they found substantial evidence pointing towards dumping of toxic nuclear waste in multiple sites.

He said due to low literacy and education levels, most workers were unable to read labels and signages on containers hence did not understand what they were dealing with.

“The committee gathered credible testimonies from various sources including local residents and health professionals. Some of these sources claim to have witnessed the dumping of substances in specific locations having been employed as casual labourers by the foreign companies," Magow said.

"The sources reported the discovery of unusual substances in several areas within Wajir county, which are suspected to be toxic.” 

The committee recommended that a study be undertaken to establish the correlation between the dumped waste and the reported health issues.

The studies are to help understand the extent of the health risks the nuclear waste posed to the community.

The report also recommended immediate cleanup and safe disposal of identified waste disposal sites.

Establishment of medical camps in the affected areas to provide screening, diagnosis and treatment for people with symptoms related to exposure to hazardous waste was recommended. 

"A comprehensive community awareness campaign needs to be conducted to educate residents about the risks associated with waste and implement a comprehensive environmental rehabilitation plan," the reports says.

"Strengthen regulatory enforcement to prevent future dumping incidents to avoid further harm to humans, livestock and the environment as well as provide mandatory compensation in lieu of the suffering communities."

Mohamed Farah, co-chair of the committee said the dumping of waste has caused severe environmental and health consequences.

He said the direct link between the health issues and the waste is yet to be fully established.

“The presence of toxic substances raises serious concerns about chronic health conditions including high cases of cancer on the population exposed to these contaminants over time,” Farah said.