Three companies based in Nairobi were on Wednesday shut down over the release of toxic fumes to the environment.
Making the announcement, Environment CS Keriako Tobiko revealed that he had received a report on the toxic emissions by the companies from the National Environment Complaints Committee (NECC) leading to their closure.
Tobiko announced that Powerex Company, Edible Oil Company, and Usafiplus Company, all located along Mombasa Road, had been closed to allow for further investigations.
“Even after the closure of the companies we will definitely keep investigating and tracking the process to make sure no company resumes operations without being given a clean bill of health,” announced Tobiko.
The report leading to the closure of the companies was released following an investigation ordered by the ministry after area residents complained of toxic fumes released especially in the wee hours of the night.
The Standard reported that South B and C residents had claimed that the fumes had allegedly led to the hospitalisation of four children with respiratory complications.
Other children are said to have suffered from nose bleeding, vomiting, and sore eyes.
The area MCA Waithera Chege took to her Facebook page to appreciate the closure by writing, “I wish to thank the CS Environment Hon. Keriako Tobiko, Nairobi County Govt, National Environmental Complaints Committee, Assembly Chairman and his committee, and all those who partnered with us during our time of need. I promise to work extra hard to make the ward a better place to live, work and invest in.”
The NECC, led by John Chumo, visited the area on Monday and commenced the investigations which were the basis of Tobiko’s announcement.
Tobiko announced the closure of a waste management company at the same time, for flouting the law.
