GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 10576

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, SpiceBark Properties LLP, proposes to construct a purpose-built student accommodation comprising of two blocks Qwetu (block A) and Qejani (block B) models. Qwetu will comprise of 14 floors of 301 rooms while Qejani will comprise of 13 floors with 336 rooms totaling to 637 units. Both blocks will include ground floor amenities such as cafeteria, study room, server room, holding rooms and refuse holding zones, while the roof terraces will host lounges, gyms and laundry yards and other associated facilities and amenities on plot L.R. No. Kakamega/Town block/III 126 in Kakamega Town, Kakamega County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures Soil erosion • Control earthworks; Install drainage structures properly; Ensure management of excavation activities. Vegetation disturbance • Restore/re-establish vegetation in some parts of the disturbed areas through implementation landscaping programme. Noise pollution • Sensitize workforce including drivers of construction vehicles; Install sound barriers for pile driving activity; Install portable barriers to shield compressors and other small stationary equipment where necessary; Display signs to indicate construction activities; Maintain all equipment; Workers in the vicinity of high-level noise to wear safety and protective gear. Dust generation • Spray stock piles of earth with water; Avoid pouring dust materials from elevated areas to ground; Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand and other loose materials; Provide dust screen where necessary. Exhaust emissions • Vehicle idling time shall be minimized; Equipment shall be properly serviced and maintained. Increased water use • Installation of motion-sensing taps, urinals, and toilets to automatically switch off once the user leaves the station. A motion sensor tap would cut up to 85% of annual water usage compared to conventional taps. Rainwater harvesting: The harvested water would be used for cleaning, flushing toilets, watering plants, etc. Avail Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures storage tanks. Waste Management • Special attention shall be paid to the sanitary facilities on site; Garbage shall be disposed periodically. Contract a NEMA licensed waste handler. Emission of greenhouse gas emission • Installation of a solar PV system on the rooftop to supplement KPC supply thereby abating about GHG emissions. Implementing energy efficiency mechanisms to reduce energy consumption. Undertaking annual energy audits to monitor progress and exploit opportunities for energy efficiency. Public health and occupational safety • Ensure proper solid waste disposal and collection facilities; Ensure dustbin cubicles are protected from animals, rains and are well covered; Provide suitable safety gear for all personnel; Proper treatment of waste water. Climate change risks and vulnerability • 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. 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. 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, Kakamega 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/7837064 National Environment Management Authority. 1st August, 2025 THE KENYA GAZETTE