Nema Issues Key Guidelines Ahead of Expected El Nino Rains

The National Environment Management Authority has issued guidelines to Kenyans even as the country anticipates El Nino rains.

In a notice seen by Nairobi Leo on Monday, Nema said heavy rains are likely to occasion flooding in some parts of the county.

"In previous flooding incidents, urban areas have experienced clogging of the drainage infrastructure by waste, especially from packaging, textiles and diapers among others," reads the notice in part.

"This exacerbates the flooding menace leading to loss of life and property. The post-consumer waste degrades our wetland ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, swamps and oceans." 

As such, Nema has asked members of the public to ensure that they keep off ecologically sensitive areas prone to floods. Such areas include riparian lands, hilltops and areas prone to landslides.

Nema has also asked the County government and other relevant entities to ensure storm drains are cleaned of any materials that hinder the free flow of stormwater.

"Owners of dams, water pans and other water bodies should institute appropriate risk management measures including dam inspections, monitoring and maintenance systems, emergency preparedness, communication and community outreach systems to safeguard public safety and the environment," Nema said.

At the same time,  Members of the public running projects have been asked to ensure that they adhere to the conditions of the environment Impact Assessment licences issued by the Authority and the environment management plans submitted to Nema.

To operators and owners of any facility storing chemicals, Nema said they should take appropriate measures to prevent flood water from coming into contact with the chemicals.

"Attention to Section 13 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022 requires producers to bear mandatory extended producer responsibility obligations to reduce pollution and the environmental impacts of the products they introduce to the Kenyan market and waste arising therefrom," they said.

Producers have also been asked to ensure that their post-consumer waste does not clog drainage systems, obstruct the flow of rivers or cause pollution to the ecosystems.

According to Nema, they will not hesitate to take action against any producer associated with  Producer Responsibility Organizations whose product or packaging is found littering the environment.