The government’s new crackdown on toxic and hazardous chemicals is long overdue.
Recent events, like the overturned truck carrying sodium cyanide, highlight the urgent need for stronger regulations.
The public must be protected from dangerous substances that threaten health and the environment.
The new Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2024 are a step in the right direction.
Importers, exporters and manufacturers must now register toxic chemicals. This ensures accountability and prevents mishandling.
Nema will also classify and label hazardous substances, keeping the public informed of potential dangers. The risks are real.
Sodium cyanide, commonly used in gold mining, can harm the heart, respiratory system and nervous system.
In the July incident, some drums were carried away by unsuspecting citizens. This could have led to disaster. Proper labelling and public awareness campaigns must be carried out to prevent such risks in the future.
Strict penalties will help enforce compliance. Fines of at least Sh1 million or two years in jail will deter reckless handling of hazardous materials.
But enforcement must be thorough. Nema must regularly inspect industries and transporters to ensure adherence to the law.
Kenya cannot afford chemical disasters. Proper regulation, enforcement and public awareness will safeguard lives and the environment.
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Quote of the day: “Always do what is right. It will gratify half of mankind and astound the other.” — American author Mark Twain published his novel ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ in the US on February 18, 1885.
