Environmental agencies and mining authorities are facing growing pressure from senators over pollution from factories and unregulated gold mining, with lawmakers demanding explanations on whether enough is being done to protect communities, rivers and the environment.
The Senate raised the concerns while considering two separate statements on environmental protection, bringing attention to air pollution linked to cement and steel factories as well as mining activities along River Yala.
Nominated Senator Betty Montet called on the Land, Environment and Natural Resources Committee to provide answers on emissions from cement and steel manufacturing companies operating in different parts of the country.
Montet acknowledged the contribution of the industries to the economy, saying they provide employment and generate revenue.
However, she said their operations could create serious problems for people and the environment when proper controls are not put in place.
“These industries also present environmental and public health concerns, particularly through air pollution, reduced visibility, respiratory illness and ecosystem degradation in areas hosting such facilities,” she said.
She said the concerns had been reported in areas such as Machakos, Kajiado and counties in the Coast region.
Montet wanted to know whether the affected companies were operating within environmental laws, meeting set emission standards and observing the conditions under which they received their licences.
She also questioned whether Nema had effective systems to inspect, monitor and enforce environmental rules among the companies.
Machakos Senator Kavindu Muthama joined the debate, putting particular focus on the situation in Athi River, Mavoko subcounty, where several cement and steel manufacturing companies operate.
“There are emissions and pollution caused by cement and steel manufacturing companies in Athi River. Many people are now sick,” she said.
Muthama called for Nema officials to appear before the committee and explain why companies were allegedly not meeting pollution and emission requirements.
“We have so many people who are sick, yet these companies are busy making money while our people have no money,” she said.
She said the committee should involve both Nema and the Ministry of Health in assessing how the pollution was affecting people living near the industrial facilities.
Muthama also called for measures to ensure the companies comply with environmental laws, saying residents should not have to bear the cost of industrial activities.
“Our people deserve to live peacefully and in good health in this country,” she said.
At the same time, Senator Catherine Mumma brought the Senate's attention to activities taking place along River Yala, particularly mechanised dredging and gold mining.
Mumma said residents of Isulu-Bushiangala had raised the matter during a public hearing conducted on June 29, 2026, at Bushiangala Secondary School in Ikolomani constituency, Kakamega county.
She said the residents had specifically raised concerns about foreigners involved in alluvial gold mining along the river.
“Mechanised dredging of River Yala by foreigners undertaking alluvial mining was a major issue raised by residents,” Mumma said.
According to Mumma, the activities had raised questions about how the mining operations were being controlled by the authorities responsible for the sector.
She said the Ministry of Mining and Nema had not done enough to regulate the activities taking place along River Yala.
“The ongoing gold mining activities in River Yala by foreign nationals have exposed regulatory failures by the relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry and Nema,” she said.