The National Assembly Environmental Committee has initiated an investigation into the alleged dumping of nuclear waste in certain parts of north-eastern Kenya.
The committee announced the decision after the Wajir South MP, Adow Aden Mohammed, claimed that the alleged dumping of nuclear waste had catalysed rising cancer cases in the region, in addition to compromising the environmental health of the region.
According to the committee, an investigation carried out by the Wajir County Government, where they interviewed residents within the county, locals claimed that they had witnessed nuclear waste being locked into containers and buried deep underground.
"Hon. Members, the dumping of this waste in our region has brought severe environmental and health consequences for Wajir County, the contamination of soil and water sources has led to degradation of the local ecosystem, affecting agriculture and livestock rearing, which are the backbone of the economy there," the MP said.
On the other hand, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, who also appeared before the committee on Tuesday, June 25, claimed cancer cases have been on the rise since 2023. According to the Governor, a total of 2,437 cases have been recorded in the county, a rate which he strongly linked to the alleged dumping of nuclear waste.
Mr Jama, who called for speedy investigations into the matter, claimed that most cancer cases, with throat cancer being the most common, were recorded in rural areas in the county.
Jama further stressed the need for the committee to identify and take appropriate action against all persons, both inside and outside the government, facilitating the dumping of the waste
"We hope that this time the committee will conduct proper investigations to bring out the truth. It will be a shame if this matter is not carried out with the speed that is required," the governor said.
The announcement comes days after Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and the Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that the opposition is set to sue the government over the establishment of a Ksh 500 billion nuclear power station that is expected to be erected in Kilifi County.
Speaking in Malindi on Sunday, May 8, Kalonzo and Gachagua claimed that the project will pose a significant threat to the lives of Kilifi residents, in addition to also sabotaging the economic vibrance of the region, which is mainly driven by tourism.
"The nuclear project will come and run the lives of the residents of Kilifi. Many tourists come here and I know if the project starts, many of them will not be happy and they will be forced not to visit here," Gachagua said.
According to the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), the development of a nuclear power station in Kilifi is expected to kickstart in 2027 and begin operations by 2034.
