GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 15141

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, Archers Post Investments Limited, proposes to construct a copper ore flotation plant comprising of a primary crusher, secondary crusher, tertiary crusher, vibrator screen, conveyer belt, Ball mill, Reagent and chemical mixing plants, flotation cells and supporting infrastructure including, administration office block, 20m2weigh bridge, 33,000L fuel storage tank, Tailings storage facility, stockpile warehouse, laboratory facility and other associated facilities and amenities on plot L.R. No. Nzalae/Mutonguni/39, Matinyani sub- county in Kitui County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: 7220 7220 Impacts Mitigation Measures Uncontrolled or incompatible development • Obtain approvals from NEMA, County Government, and other sectoral regulators before project commencement; ensure compliance with approved land use plans and zoning requirements to avoid conflicts. Lack of environmental awareness among workers and community • Install clear environmental signage at the project site; conduct awareness sessions for workers and surrounding community; disseminate project information through meetings and posters to encourage responsible behavior. Poor workmanship and unsafe construction practices • Engage only licensed project managers and contractors; ensure strict adherence to approved architectural and engineering designs; conduct regular inspections and enforce quality control measures. Mismanagement of site operations • Appoint competent site managers and supervisors with clear responsibilities; enforce compliance with all statutory approvals and environmental guidelines; develop a code of conduct for site activities. Accidents and hazards during planning and site preparation • Obtain comprehensive insurance cover for all workers, equipment, and site activities; ensure emergency preparedness through training and first aid availability. Excessive noise and vibration from machinery • Provide workers with hearing protection such as earmuffs; schedule noisy activities only during daytime; maintain machinery to reduce noise; notify nearby residents in advance of noisy works; comply with Noise and Vibration Regulations. Air pollution and dust emissions • Regularly spray water on dusty surfaces; require workers to use dust masks; cover trucks transporting raw materials; limit vehicle speed on access roads; ensure all machinery and vehicles are well serviced to minimize emissions. Solid waste generation during construction and operation • Provide labeled waste bins at multiple collection points; segregate waste into recyclable, organic, and hazardous categories; engage licensed NEMA waste handlers for safe disposal; encourage recycling and reuse where possible. Loss of vegetation and biodiversity • Clearly demarcate construction boundaries to limit clearance; avoid unnecessary destruction of natural vegetation; re-vegetate the site with indigenous trees and grass after construction; create buffer zones around sensitive areas. Soil erosion from site clearance and excavation • Stabilize exposed soils immediately after works; construct silt traps and proper drainage channels to prevent runoff; avoid excavation during heavy rains; rehabilitate disturbed areas promptly Increased water demand and wastewater generation • Drill boreholes with Water Resources Authority permits; recycle process water within the plant; install water- efficient fixtures; use mobile toilets and septic systems managed by licensed contractors; monitor water Impacts Mitigation Measures quality regularly. Occupational health and safety risks • Register project with Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS); provide PPE (helmets, gloves, safety boots, goggles, masks) to all workers; install fire-fighting equipment; conduct regular safety training and drills; provide adequate first aid facilities; restrict visitor access to operational zones. Community conflicts and strained relations • Establish a transparent grievance redress mechanism; engage the community through regular consultations and information sharing; prioritize local employment where possible; implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to support local needs. Air pollution from plant operations (dust, fumes, emissions) • Use wet crushing and grinding systems to minimize dust; install fume extraction and air filtration systems; cover trucks transporting ore and concentrate; plant windbreak vegetation around the site; conduct routine air quality monitoring. Handling and storage of hazardous chemicals • Train workers in safe handling, storage, and emergency response; provide PPE such as chemical- resistant gloves, masks, and aprons; store chemicals in properly labeled containers within bunded areas; install emergency showers and eye-wash stations; prepare spill response kits and regularly audit chemical stores. Noise pollution during operation • Enclose noisy equipment in soundproof housings; provide ear protection to workers; schedule high- noise activities during daytime; carry out regular noise monitoring to ensure compliance with legal standards. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from machinery and generators • Use fuel-efficient equipment; optimize generator use and prioritize national grid electricity; adopt renewable energy where possible; engage in tree planting and other carbon offset programs to balance emissions. Waste from processing (tailings and industrial waste) • Store tailings in a well-engineered, lined tailings storage facility; recycle water from tailings; monitor seepage and groundwater quality; contract licensed waste handlers for hazardous waste; promote a zero-waste-to- landfill approach. Biodiversity loss and land use changes • Retain natural vegetation where possible; replant cleared areas with drought-tolerant indigenous species; maintain buffer zones; conduct ecological monitoring. Job losses and economic decline at decommissioning • Provide alternative livelihood training and capacity-building for workers; pay terminal benefits in line with labor laws; link retrenched workers to employment opportunities in related sectors. Insecurity at abandoned site • Contract a reputable security firm to safeguard equipment and materials; properly secure or remove all assets to prevent vandalism and illegal occupation. 16th October, 2025 THE KENYA GAZETTE Impacts Mitigation Measures Safety and health risks during demolition • Conduct demolition under the supervision of qualified personnel; ensure all workers are in PPE; restrict demolition to daytime; install warning signs around the site; provide first aid and emergency response arrangements. Waste generation during demolition • Reuse or recycle demolition materials such as metal, wood, and concrete; dispose residual waste through licensed waste contractors; prevent open dumping or burning of waste. Air pollution (dust) during demolition and decommissioning • Continuously spray water on demolition sites and debris; cover trucks transporting waste materials; use dust suppressants to reduce particulate emissions. Noise and vibrations during demolition • Deploy noise-suppressed machinery; restrict noisy demolition activities to daytime; provide hearing protection to workers; notify surrounding community in advance. Soil erosion and ecological degradation after closure • Rehabilitate the site by leveling ground; test soil for contamination and decontaminate if necessary; plant indigenous vegetation to restore ecological balance; implement long- term erosion monitoring and management. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Foresty, NHIF Building, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30126–00200, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County-Director of Environment, Kitui County. A copy of the EIA report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke The National Environmental 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 for this project. Comments can also be e-mailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/7786736 National Environment Management Authority.