A public hearing on the proposed Isulu-Bushiangala underground gold mine in Kakamega South Sub-County is set to take place on December 4, with NEMA inviting area residents and stakeholders to share their views on the project before any approvals are made.
The forum will be held at Imusali Primary School and will be chaired by the Kakamega County Commissioner as part of efforts to ensure coordinated oversight on the mining plans.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, NEMA said the meeting will give community members, project-affected persons, and interested groups a formal chance to respond to the Environmental Impact Assessment study report prepared by Shanta Gold Kenya Limited.
“The Authority invites members of the public, project affected persons, and interested stakeholders to attend and give their views on the proposed project at a public hearing meeting,” NEMA stated.
The proposed project seeks to establish an underground gold mining operation in Isulu and Bushiangala. NEMA noted that the full EIA report, which outlines expected environmental and social impacts, is available for public review.It can be accessed on the NEMA website or through a QR code provided in the notice.
The report evaluates how the planned mining work may affect air quality, water sources, soil conditions, local wildlife, and surrounding communities.
Public hearings, NEMA says, give people room to raise concerns, ask for clarifications, and offer feedback that forms part of the review process before any decision is made.
The authority stressed its commitment to openness and public involvement as required by law.
“Pursuant to Regulations 22 of the Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, the Authority invites members of the public, project affected persons and interested stakeholders to attend and give their views on the proposed project,” the notice reads.
The hearing will also allow residents to directly engage both the regulator and the developer.
According to NEMA, such forums ensure proper consideration of environmental, community, and economic effects before mining activities begin.
NEMA further reminded the public that they may report any environmental concerns or incidents related to the project through its phone line 0741 101 100, email address [email protected], or by visiting its offices on Popo Road, off Mombasa Road in Nairobi.
The upcoming hearing forms part of Kenya’s wider system meant to safeguard natural resources while guiding responsible development.
Through public involvement, NEMA aims to ensure that projects like the Isulu-Bushiangala mine uphold environmental standards while supporting investment, jobs, and local growth.
The authority concludes in the notice by stating that all parties have a role in protecting the environment even as development projects move forward. The December 4 hearing is expected to be a major step in deciding whether the proposed gold mining venture will proceed.
