NEMA Urges Temporary Shutdown of Quarries in Murang’a Due to Safety Risks from Persistent Rains

MURANG’A—The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a directive to suspend all quarry operations in Murang’a County as continuous heavy rains increase the risk of collapses. The agency’s call aims to protect the lives of artisanal miners currently working in these hazardous conditions.

According to Kenya News Agency, the authority has requested the Murang’a county security committee to enforce the suspension. Local chiefs, their assistants, and Nyumba Kumi members have been instructed to inspect the quarries and consider halting operations. The region, which is dotted with numerous stone, sand, and clay quarries, has seen an uptick in accidents, including a recent collapse in the Maragi area that injured two miners.

The weather has also triggered mudslides that have obstructed roads and damaged farms across the county. In response to the dangerous conditions, the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has closed sections of the Murang’a-Kiriani road, particularly after a mudslide in the Gaturi ward created hazardous conditions for motorists. KeNHA has redirected traffic to alternative routes and plans repairs to the damaged road sections.

NEMA’s letter emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the quarries could collapse under the wet conditions, posing severe risks. The authority has advised the security committee to monitor the quarries closely and shut down any that are deemed unsafe.