The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has ordered the immediate closure of a construction site on Likoni Lane, off Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi County, following public complaints regarding health and environmental hazards.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, NEMA Director-General Mamo Boru Mamo said the decision was prompted by concerns raised by residents over activities at the site managed by Alina Valley Company Ltd.
“In response to public complaints received regarding the construction activities on Likoni Lane, off Dennis Pritt Road, the director-general of NEMA has today directed the closure of the site with immediate effect until further notice,” Mamo stated.
The authority announced plans to conduct a thorough assessment of the site to determine corrective measures required to address the concerns.
“An immediate assessment of the site will be undertaken by NEMA to implement appropriate actions aimed at protecting the environment and public health,” Mamo added.
Tighter Regulations for Construction Activities
The closure comes amidst NEMA’s heightened efforts to regulate construction activities and combat environmental pollution in Nairobi. In October 2024, NEMA introduced stringent guidelines for construction projects, prohibiting work beyond 6 p.m. and restricting weekend activities.
“Surveillance of night-time construction activities was implemented to ensure compliance with licensing conditions. All construction must cease at 6 p.m. and is not permitted on weekends,” the authority noted.
Broader Crackdown on Urban Pollution
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has intensified initiatives to tackle pollution in urban areas. On October 22, 2024, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale directed NEMA to spearhead a crackdown on various forms of pollution in Nairobi, supported by a multi-agency task force led by the NEMA police unit.
“I have instructed NEMA’s Nairobi office to launch a major crackdown on pollution, targeting noise from clubs, night-time construction, improper waste disposal, and air quality issues,” Duale announced.
The CS emphasized strict compliance with environmental laws, particularly for clubs in residential areas, which must implement soundproofing measures to continue operating.
“The era of impunity by club owners and private developers must end,” he warned.
The crackdown, which began in Nairobi, is part of a broader nationwide anti-pollution campaign aimed at addressing the growing environmental and public health challenges posed by urban development.
