National Environmental Management Authority has been put on the spot over illegal sand harvesting in Kitui and other parts of the country.
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda wants Nema to outline the actions undertaken to ensure the enforcement of laws and regulations about sand harvesting in Kitui.
Mutinda, who has asked for a statement from Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources, regretted that Nema has not been conducting regular monitoring and inspection of sand harvesting.
She wants the authority to outline measures taken to eliminate cartels exploiting the country’s natural resources without benefiting host counties and the national government.
“Provide details of guidelines formulated and implemented by Kitui and the Nema in relation to sand harvesting, with a specific focus on mitigating the impact of the activity on the environment of the host communities,” she said in her statement.
Mutinda wants the committee to recommend measures to stop illegal sand harvesting in the country at large, including ensuring illegal harvesters are brought to book.
On March 8, residents of Mwingi in Kitui decried the destruction of roads and water reservoirs due to illegal sand harvesting in rivers.
They lamented that no action has been taken to hold the culprits responsible.
They said illegal sand harvesting had left huge losses in Kitui compared to the benefits accrued.
Migwani subcounty police commander Kazungu Charo stopped sand harvesting at Luli River in Nguutani and Migwani areas in Mwingi West constituency following the outcry.
He ordered the people who were undertaking the illegal business to keep off the rivers and warned them of stern action if they continued with the activity.
