NEMA Shuts Down KIBOS Sugar Over Air Pollution

Kisumu based Kibos Sugar has been shut down over air pollution by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Mamo Mamo, the Acting NEMA director-general, on Friday, said that the company had failed to comply with air regulations despite being given 30 days to do so.

Mamo said in a letter dated 5th March 2020 that factories must maintain 50 micrometers of what they emit into the atmosphere yet Kibos has been emitting 200 more of what is allowed.

Kibos 245 micrometers of pollutants are five times more than the national standards which makes it a danger to the area residents.

Kibos sugar company will only be allowed to re-open after installing an effective air pollution control system that is to the set NEMA standards.

Mamo noted that the company must adhere to emission reduction measures as set out in part (IV) of the 5tg schedule of the Air Quality Regulation 2014.

“Further note that section 143(a) provides that any person who fails, neglects or refuse to comply with an environmental restoration order under this Act commits an offense and shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine of 500,000 shillings or both,” the letter from Nema said.

The letter is copied to the Kisumu county commissioners and other people.

Kibos had successfully appealed against an environment court’s order that sought to close it for claims of polluting rivers.

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