The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has decried rising cases of illegal sand harvesting in Kisumu County.
County Director of Environment Leonard Ofula said the practice was common along major rivers in the area disrupting natural flow of water.
He said this was a threat to communities living along the river banks and the reason for the rapid degradation of the environment in the area.
Ofula said NEMA has rolled out a campaign to enforce sand harvesting regulations to stop wanton extraction of the commodity.
He said the campaign to be carried out in collaboration with the county government targets to enhance surveillance on all sand harvesting activities.
This is to ensure that it is conducted in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner.
"The county government has come in to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of sand harvesting practices to promote responsible resource management and environmental conservation," Ofula said.
The county government has been tasked with setting standards for sand harvesters, transporters and other stakeholders involved in the business.
This will see the devolved unit enforce licensing and compliance to ensure all the players in the sector follow the laid down regulations.
Ofula said the collaboration will help NEMA to mitigate environmental degradation and social impacts associated with illegal sand harvesting with a view to completely eradicating the practice in the area.
NEMA is not to issue any mining permit before carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to ensure that the environment is conserved.
The Director cautioned those involved in illegal sand harvesting saying they risked up to four years in jail, a fine not exceeding Sh4 million or both.
To enhance awareness, Ofula said NEMA was working with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to sensitise the community on the dangers of illegal sand harvesting.
"We plan to organise community meetings and workshops in the areas where the practice is rampant to educate the locals on sustainable practices and the importance of preserving the environment," he said.
