GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 8748

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Kinsfolk Limited proposes to construct residential apartments comprising of a total of 256 modern apartments divided into three categories to meet divergent needs and lifestyles of home owners. These categories are one-bedroom apartment, two bedrooms and three bedrooms’ apartments. The proposed project will be on plot L.R. No. Kabete/Kibichiko/3045, located off Ngecha Road along Getathuru Road, in Kibichiko area, Kiambu County. The site is accessible via Getathuru Road which is approximately 3.86 kilometers from Ngecha Road. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures. Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Accidents with potential to cause physical injury, damage to property; environmental pollution • Provide Environmental, Health and Safety training to workers to ensure that they understand the requirements of the environmental, health and safety management plans as applicable to their responsibilities. • Ensure that workers sign a code of conduct to observe established procedures and are well behaved towards the surrounding community. Loss of vegetation; soil erosion; siltation of water courses; loss of aesthetic value • Maintain as much as possible the natural drainage systems and patterns. • Where possible, commence landscaping activities as soon superstructures are erected. • Set out a plan for re-vegetation of disturbed areas. • Preserve the existing natural vegetation as much as possible. Local air pollution by dust and exhaust fumes; potential respiratory Illnesses among impacted neighbors • Sprinkle water on work areas, and materials heaps to minimize dust emissions. • Maintain equipment and machinery to manufacturers’ specifications by regular servicing to maintain efficiency in combustion and reduce carbon emissions. • Use environmentally friendly fuels such as low sulphur diesel; Provide appropriate Personnel. • Protective equipment such as dust masks to site workers. Increased demand on fossil fuel and electricity to run equipment • Maintain equipment and machinery to manufacturers’ specifications by regular servicing to maintain efficiency in combustion and reduce carbon emissions. • Use environmentally friendly fuels such as low sulphur diesel. • Specify and procure the most energy efficient plant options fit for purpose and avoid use of plant with unnecessary and excess capacity. Nuisance to surrounding communities • Reduce idling time on trucks and other noisy equipment. • Encourage drivers to turn off vehicle engines when not in use and avoid unnecessary hooting/ revving of engines. • Provide personal protective equipment such as ear muffs to workers at the site as necessary. • Carry out construction work during the day only. No works shall be carried out on Sundays. Accidents involving the surrounding community; Nuisance from snarl ups • Contractor shall ensure that construction traffic movement does not coincide with the known rush hours in the project area, and that speed and loading limits are observed. • Develop a traffic management plan to ensure that site vehicles do not interfere with the regular traffic on the access roads, or pose safety hazards to site workers or the general public. • Set up traffic control/warning signs along the access road near the site entrance informing other motorists of potential hazards of construction vehicles turning. 22nd July, 2022 THE KENYA GAZETTE Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Increased demand in the project area; contamination of surface and ground water resources • Ensure that water is used efficiently by avoiding extravagant water use and wastage. • Harvest storm water wherever possible to supplement other sources of water. • Channel construction wastewater into temporary holding ponds to allow sedimentation before release in to the environment. • Recycle and reuse construction wastewater wherever possible. Generation of construction wastes that cause environmental pollution, nuisance and breeding grounds for vermin • Identify a temporary holding area for construction wastes. • Recycle and re-use construction waste as much as possible. • Washing of concrete-coated vehicles/equipment off-site or in a designated area. The concrete wash area will be at least 50m away from storm drain inlets or open drainage facilities. Runoff from onsite concrete wash area shall be contained in a temporary pit where concrete can set. • Surface runoff within the site to be diverted in order to avoid flushing away soil and other material. Sediment traps to also be installed to remove sediments before discharge of the runoff from the site. Physical injuries to workers and/or the public; damage to property • Comply with the requirements of OSHA, 2007. • Provide for appropriate signage and warnings in work areas. • Provide appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE) to site workers. • Provide for First Aid facilities as per the OSHA, 2007, and ensure that workers are trained on emergency response such as first aid skills. • Provide and clearly display emergency contacts on site. • Provide adequate sanitary facilities on site. • Develop and implement a detailed and site- specific Emergency Response Plan. • Routine medical examinations shall be done for all construction crew staff at local health centres. Noise nuisance • Ensure that noise abatement devices are installed and maintained for the standby generator for power supply. Increased demand on grid energy supply • Encourage residents to conserve energy through awareness programs. • Install and maintain energy efficient appliances e.g., indoor lights and outdoor security lights. • Continually seek avenues for energy conservation as international best practices evolve. Increased water demand; Increased generation of wastewater • Encourage Residents to conserve water through awareness programs. • Install and maintain low volume fixtures in toilets, baths and other wet areas. Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures • Use harvested storm water in cleaning and irrigation of lawns. Generation of wastes; environmental pollution and creation of health and safety hazards from mismanagement of waste • Pursue waste minimization at source principles e.g., zero generation, reduction, re- use and/or recycling. • Provide mechanisms to segregate wastes at source, ensure that all wastes are stored temporarily at the designated common collection area, and that they are regularly carried away for disposal in designated areas. • Ensure regular inspection and maintenance of foul water drainage works and storm water drainage works at the premises to prevent clogging, and fore-stall breakdowns. Accidents causing injuries; fire incidences with potential to cause damage to property and/or loss of life • Comply with the requirements of the OSHA 2007. • Provide for the appropriate signage and warnings in potential risk areas. • Provide appropriate Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) to maintenance staff at the premises where applicable. • Install firefighting equipment at strategic places within the property. • Develop and implement detailed and site- specific emergency response plans. Accidents involving pedestrians and/or motor vehicles • Develop and maintain a traffic management plan that caters for vehicular and pedestrian traffic associated with the development especially at the main entrance to the property. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30126–00100, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Kiambu County. A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke The National Environment Management Authority invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice to the Director-General, NEMA, to assist the Authority in the decision making process regarding this project. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/3882724 National Environment Management Authority.