GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 8917

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act 1999, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization proposes to introduce production of a variety of potato that has been developed through modern biotechnology by introducing three Late Blight (LB) resistance genes derived from wild relatives of the potato (RB, Rpi-blb2 genes from Solomon bulbocastanum and Rpi-vnt 1.1 gene from s.venturii) into the farmer and consumer preferred variety shangi. After Commissioning, the late blight resistant variety will be grown in the potato growing areas of Kenya including the Counties of Bomet, Bungoma, Elgeyo-Marakwet,Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Taita Taveta, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and West Pokot. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed mitigation measures Soil erosion • Install drainage structures properly. • Ensure management of excavation activities. 4114 4114 Impacts Proposed mitigation measures Loss of vegetation • Restore/re-establish vegetation in some parts of the disturbed areas through implementation landscaping program. Air pollution • All trucks and any other mode of hauling soil sand and other loose materials to and from the site should be covered. • Sprinkling of water on dry soils in excavated areas, pavements. • Use of clean fuels for machines and equipment. • Stockpiles of earth should be sprayed with water or covered during dry seasons. • Provide dust masks for the personnel in dust generation areas. • Sensitize construction workers on pollution control measurers. Emission of greenhouse gas emission • Less use of agrochemicals. • Implementing energy efficiency mechanisms to reduce energy consumption. • Undertaking annual energy audits to monitor progress and exploit opportunities for energy efficiency. Traffic disruption • Properly plan for transportation of materials to ensure that vehicles are optimally filled to reduce the number of trips done or the number of vehicles on the access roads. • Employment of formal flagmen/women to ensure the public safety. • Place clear signage’s at the gate to alert drivers to be cautious about the construction and to look out for entering and/or exiting vehicles. Public health, occupational health and safety • Train staff/workers on occupational health and safety. • Provide full protective gear & workmen’s compensation cover in addition to the right tools and operational instructions. • Design of sewerage system should be as provided in the plans and should be constructed to approved size and design, standard and of approved materials. • Avoid undesirable, substandard, hazardous or unauthorized materials during farming activities. Contribution to climate change • Water management; The project should invest in water management strategies like rainwater harvesting, storage facilities, and efficient water use practices. These measures aim to mitigate water scarcity during dry periods and reduce flood risks during heavy rainfall events. • Infrastructure Design: Incorporate resilient features to withstand extreme weather like flooding, storms, and high temperatures. Energy Efficiency: Implement technologies and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. • Biodiversity Conservation: Protect and enhance natural ecosystems to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services, including reforestation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management practices. Impacts Proposed mitigation measures Insecurity and social impacts • Provision of security guards, CCTV cameras, security lights and other security apparatus during the entire project cycle. • Adhere to work timings in line with the NEMA licensing conditions. Increased Water Usage • A motion sensor tap would cut up to 85% of annual water compared to conventional taps. • Rainwater harvesting: The harvested water would be used for cleaning, flushing toilets, watering plants, etc, • Avail storage tanks. Increased generation of waste • Build farm workers capacity on sanitation and hygiene practices. • Segregation of waste at the source during the project cycle. • Special attention shall be paid to the sanitary facilities on site. • Garbage shall be disposed periodically. • Contract a NEMA licensed waste handler. A full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary State Department for Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Forestry, NHIF Building, 12th Floor Ragati Road, Upper Hill, P. O. Box 30126–00100, Nairobi. (b) Director General National Environment and Management Authority (NEMA) Popo Road, off Mombasa Road P. O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi. A copy of the EIA report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke NEMA 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 for this project. Comments can also be e-mailed to info@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/6222896 National Environment Management Authority.