GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 14282

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) regulations, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the implementation of the proposed subdivision of remaining 3,053 acres in Kiu ranch. The project proposes to subdivide the remaining portion of its ranch to its 1006 members. It also wishes to allocate 2,760 acres to the former squatters on its land as directed by the high court. This final subdivision will involve a total of 3,053 acres which after putting aside 500 acres for roads, social amenities etc will see the members share the remainder with each member getting only about 2.7 acres. The proposed project will be in Kiu ranch, plot L.R No.7612 Mukaa district, Malili division, Ngaamba location. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Environmental issue Mitigation Measures Changes in hydrology/ impended drainage Avoid allocating to members river valleys, steep hill sides and identified wetlands Ensure efficiency of drainage structures trough proper design and maintenance Use society funds to vegetate degraded valleys and hillsides Flora and Fauna Work only according to the survey briefs. Surveyor to Endeavour to access only areas where beacons are to be placed. Avoid allocating sensitive ecological areas to individuals Soil erosion Control earthworks &compact loose soils Ensure management of any excavation activities Control activities especially during rainy conditions Solid Wastes Bring only required materials to site. Avoid unnecessary excavations Compost organic waste on site Stockpile all mortar aggregate and use as landfill on the ranch Air pollution Work only on designated areas Engage sensitive construction workers. Ear muffs and other ear protectors Public health and occupational safety Train staff/workers on occupational health and safety. Deforestation and bush clearance Sensitize members on environment conservation Enforce provision of the Agriculture Act 2003 Amendment that calls for 10% of land to be put under forests/trees Encourage members to plant trees along the fences Encourage members to use plants such as kei-apple, euphorbia etc as fences/hedges around their parcels Sensitize members on the dangers of overstocking and why they must respect the carrying capacity of the land Sensitize members on the advantages of planting drought resistant food crops Loss of Wildlife Habitat Set aside ecologically sensitive areas as nature conservation blocks within the ranch Partner with Government Agencies and NGO’s to come up with best ways of managing the animals within the community 11th November, 2011 THE KENYA GAZETTE Sensitise the members on the importance of conserving our wildlife Partner with KWS to relocate the cheetahs to designated game reserves as they are an endangered species Partner with KWS to relocate unmanageable game to designated parks Fragmentation of Land to Uneconomical units Rigorously Enforce the zoning laws Set minimum sizes for parcels in agricultural zones Aesthetic Loss Avoid vegetation clearance on hilltops, valleys Preserve all mature trees as much as is practical The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi. (b) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi. (c) Provincial Director of Environment, Eastern Province. (d) District Environment Officer, Makueni District. 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 of the plan. ROBERT ORINA, For: Director General, MR8249686 National Environment Management Authority.