The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in conjunction with the National Police Service (NPS) has launched a crackdown on six environmental offences.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, NEMA on Thursday, August 31, announced its intention to crack down on six activities exercabating environmental pollution in various parts of the country.
The activities include; open burning, nighttime construction, noise pollution, unlawful discharge of water, use of banned plastic bags, and littering.
NEMA's decision to undertake this initiative followed a constructive meeting between NEMA officials and police officers at the environmental agency's offices in Nairobi.
"The National Police will work together with NEMA's environmental inspectors to help the authority to enforce on these areas since they are mostly closer to the people," NEMA stated.
NEMA added that involving the police in the operation stemmed from their prior successful collaborations with the law enforcement agency.
"NPS has had a long working relationship with NEMA in relation to enforcement of environmental laws. NPS has seconded several police officers to NEMA.
"During our engagement with the police officers, we have learnt that NPS can be empowered to enforce more provisions of the environmental laws since police officers are located close to people where environmental crimes are normally committed," NEMA's statement read in part.
Penalties Involved in New Crackdown
According to the Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations, 2009, cases of noise pollution can attract a fine of Ksh350,000.
Fines for excessive noise due to loud music and nighttime construction attract a jail term of over 18 months.
Kenyans found using plastic bags may incur fines ranging from Ksh50,000 to Ksh150,000.
Offences tied to water pollution, conversely, result in fines capped at Ksh500,000 upon conviction.
