GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 11222

PURSUANT to Regulation 21 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust In partnership with County Government of Meru proposes to establish a Mountain Bongo and Black rhino Sanctuary in Marania and Mucheene forest in Mount Kenya Ecosystem in Meru County. The project is expected to be undertaken in two phases with Phase 1 targeting the introduction of bongos into a sanctuary covering an area of 500 acres. Phase 2 will target the reintroduction of the black rhinoceros. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation Measures Risks of contracting Diseases and disease epidemic • Undertake pre and post translocation disease screening for the animals to be repatriated. • Undertake regular disease surveillance for the bongos and rhinos. • Regular screening the animals in the area for rinderpest outbreaks early detection. • Train animal keepers on early detection of sick animals. • Vaccinate the bongos against rinderpest. Human wildlife conflict • Adequate community sensitization. • Involve community and relevant stakeholders in the entire project cycle. • Ensure perimeter fence of sanctuary is always function always. • Increase security patrols during construction and on sanctuary operations. • Sensitise workers on the presence of dangerous animals like the elephants and buffaloes. Poaching /illegal hunting • Strengthen the security at the temporary holding stockades and the entire sanctuary. • Construction of perimeter fence and enhanced security surveillance around the sanctuary. • Conservation education awareness and community sensitization. • Ensure 24 hrs security surveillance along the fence and entire sanctuary when it is operationalized. • Install sensors along the fence and a monitoring system. Vegetation loss • Limit vegetation clearance to construction area and revegetate after work. • Compensate vegetation losses with planting of indigenous species. 16th September, 2022 THE KENYA GAZETTE Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation Measures • Bongo stockades and enclosures to be designed around the existing indigenous trees and shrubs to reduce vegetation clearance. • Alignment to meander through big trees to avoid their cutting. • Site will be enriched through habitat modification with appropriate trees, grass, and shrubs. Modification to surface water flow and quality • Maintain serviceable vehicles and machinery. • Avoid storage of granular material near water courses during construction. • Control efficiency of water intakes and treatment installations. • Revegetate rapidly cleared areas. • Conduct regular slope stability assessments on access roads and project development site. Visual intrusion of the environment • Staff quarters and offices to consider developing architectural design well integrated in its visual environment including blending the structures with the natural environment. Solid waste generation at the animal keeper and security camp • Daily collection, segregation, and disposal of waste at designated areas. • Provide litter bins at the operation base for temporary holding before disposal. • Ensuring the movement of waste from source to dumpsite is safe and controlled to prevent spillages and pollution. • Employing waste minimization techniques such as the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover) principle. • Prepare and display sanctuary rules and regulations against littering. • Adhere to integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations. Predation of the bongos • Undertake carnivore survey inside the sanctuary and relocate hyenas and leopards outside the sanctuary, on recommendations of the carnivore survey after fencing off the sanctuary. • Ensure the perimeter fence is predator proof as much as possible. • Monitor the sanctuary for incidences of predator intrusion. Competition for pasture with livestock • Establish livestock improvement programme and reduction of stock numbers. • Conservation education awareness. • Support community alternative livelihoods compatible with conservation. Occupation health and safety risks • Workers’ sensitization and awareness creation on safety and rules and regulation. • Routine vaccination of staff and animals. • Providing workers with adequate and quality PPEs and replacing them as necessary. Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation Measures • Providing and maintaining firefighting and first aid equipment (side buckets, hydrants, fire extinguishers). • Maintain a fire break around the sanctuary. 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, Meru 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/3876613 National Environment Management.