Senators Put Environment CS Barasa on the Spot Over Pollution Control Failures

The lawmakers argued that continued industrial emissions, toxic waste dumping, unsafe disposal of electronic waste and contamination of water sources point to serious gaps in implementation rather than shortcomings in legislation...

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Kenyan Senators have put Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on the spot, criticizing the government's weak enforcement of environmental laws despite a comprehensive legal framework.

Senators highlighted ongoing industrial emissions, toxic waste dumping, and water contamination as evidence of significant implementation gaps.
The effectiveness of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was particularly questioned regarding its enforcement of environmental standards.
Despite the criticism, CS Barasa defended the government's record, citing robust laws and intensified enforcement activities, including inspections in 101 facilities within the Nairobi Metropolitan area and shutting down approximately 400 illegal discharge points.