GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 10299

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent Kenya Railways Corporation, Proposes to construct a12.5km long Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) line which commences at Lenana/Riruta area where it branches off main Nairobi-Kikuyu MGR line. The line transverses through the Ngong Road Forest (KM 1+100 to KM 1+650) before exiting to Southern Bypass Road, in Riruta ward of Dagoretti Sub-county. From Southern Bypass Road Interchange, it runs along Ngong Road corridor upto Karen shopping center, it crosses to the left-hand side of the corridor running along the road reserve to Kerarapon Road, in Karen area, Langata sub-county. From Kerarapon Road to Ngong the project is located within Oloolua and Ngong wards of Kajiado North sub-county, Kajiado County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Mitigation Measures Loss of biodiversity • Minimize clearance and disruption of vegetation as it may be practically possible. • Minimize clearing and unnecessary felling of indigenous tree species. • Offset and compensate cleared vegetation by replanting of indigenous plant species in disturbed areas. • Undertake a tree inventory for replacement for any trees cut during construction phase. • Prepare and implement a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), for conservation and management of biodiversity along the railway corridor. • Ensure habitat restoration throughout the project footprint. Involuntary land acquisition • Undertake Resettlement Action Plan prior to commencement of the railway project. • Ensure systematic stakeholder and Project Affected Persons (PAPs) consultations and engagements. • Confine the project construction activities to the proposed corridor (road reserve) as much as possible. • Issue notices to vacate in advance to roadside traders to avoid damages and conflicts. • Ensure appropriate and timely compensation for project land take and continuous engagement with affected persons before project commencement. • Provide detailed information to affected persons about their rights, entitlements and options pertaining to land acquisition, • Involve all relevant stakeholders in a timely manner. Impacts Mitigation Measures Generation of waste (solid, liquid and hazardous) • Develop and implement a Construction Waste Management Plan for the project. • Engage a NEMA registered waste service providers/handlers for management of project waste. • Spoil generated be disposed off in pre- identified and approved locations/sites. • Recycle of construction waste (debris, scrap metals, timber and plastics) to the extent possible. • Construction vehicles and equipment will be serviced off site at designated and approved servicing locations. • Provide mobile toilets and strategically place them along the project corridor. • Install oil water interceptors within the workshop. Air pollution • Ensuring construction equipment, vehicles and machines are maintained and serviced. • Ensure constant watering of construction surfaces and dry materials to minimize dust, • Carry out construction in the shortest time possible to minimize prolonged environmental effects. • Ensure all workers are issued with appropriate PPEs and enforcement of their use. • Drivers to observe speed limits to control dust generation. • Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand and other loose materials. Noise and vibration pollution • Inform the neighboring communities of any un-usual construction activities with extraordinary noise levels such as to include time, expected duration and any safety precautions. • Strict adherence to the environmental management and coordination (noise and excessive vibration pollution control) regulations, 2009 (Legal Notice 61/2009). • Undertake structural integrity assessment of existing structures along the project corridor for potential damages due to vibrations. • Utilize low noise machinery for the construction to the extent possible. • Blasting activities should be done strictly in accordance to the explosive Act Cap. 115 Regulations. • Ensure minimal noise and vibrations along sensitive areas: schools, health facilities and religious institutions. • Acquire Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution Control Permits and notify the public on any event of excessive noise and vibration during the construction. • Limit construction activities to daytime. Water pollution • Spoil dump should not be established close to water courses or wetlands. • Ensure no oil leakages from equipment working near water courses. • Works across water courses should be done during dry season and take shortest time possible. • The Contractor must adhere to water quality THE KENYA GAZETTE 16th August, 2024 Impacts Mitigation Measures regulations described in Legal Notice No. 120 of the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 68 of September 2006 and Water Act 2016. • Ensure all water abstractions are permitted by Water Resource Authority (WRA). • No discharge of pollutants from any construction activity into or near surface water bodies. • The contractor to ensure minimal disruptions of water supply network. • Timely response to address any damaged water supply systems. Soil erosion • Avoid spoiling close to river beds. • Exposed slopes to be re-vegetated as soon as possible. • Undertake landscaping in areas prone to erosion. • Run-off to be diverted away from erosion susceptible slopes to prevent further site degradation. • Install soil erosion control measures e.g., scour checks, gabions and plant ground cover vegetation. • Side drains to be lined with concrete or stone pitched. • Avoid spoil dumps close to water resources. Drainage management • Ensure protection of soil adjacent to side drains and constructed drainage facilities. • The drainage outfalls should be properly constructed to reduce the erosion from surface runoff and storm water. • As far as reasonably possible, drainage outfalls should not be directed into private land or premises. • Ensure the existing drainage systems across the project corridor are not disrupted during the construction. • Drainage systems should be regularly maintained and cleaned, kept free from silt and sediments. Traffic disruption • Speed limits for construction vehicles should be adhered to along the access and main roads. • Develop a Traffic Management Plan to guide on management of traffic during construction. • Traffic signage and information should be placed strategically. • Institute an accident incidence documentation and reporting system. Occupational health and safety • Provide training on relevant safety measures, first aid procedures and emergency response to workers. • Provide full package of first aid kits at work places and workers’ camps. • Provision of safety signage along the project corridor specifically active work areas. • All workers should be provided with appropriate safety gear and ensure Impacts Mitigation Measures application at all times. • Ensuring compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 Practice and guidelines. • Secure and fence off all construction sites to control access from unauthorized people. 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, Kajiado 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/6532363 National Environment Management.