Nema to probe toxic gas plants

South B MCA Waithera Chege (centre) flanked by Julia Chege (right) presenting a bursary certificate to Beatrice Wanjiru, 70, a resident of South B Ward, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina/Standard]

The State environment agency has two weeks to investigate factories emitting noxious gases in Nairobi South.

This comes a day after residents of South B and South C complained of a strong pungent smell that they said had caused them breathing complications since March 5.

County Assembly Majority Whip Waithera Chege, who is also the South B MCA, yesterday directed the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) to find the source of the toxic gas.

Ms Waithera said Nema should provide a report with details on the location of the polluting factories and their owners.

Nema, the MCA added, should also outline actions taken to remedy the situation failing which she would lobby to have the agency disbanded.

Waithera told The Standard that she was also choked by the pungent smell on Saturday last week as she drove along Mombasa Road.

“I am tabling a statement in the city assembly so that Nema can give us answers on the issue. We cannot allow companies to continue operating and making profits while putting numerous lives at risk. The emissions are a health hazard that must be dealt with.

“It is alarming that the Nema offices are located along Mombasa Road, but they have not taken any action to date. They should move quickly to avert the impending danger on the lives of Kenyans,” the ward rep said.

On Monday, residents in Nairobi South raised concerns over emissions by factories that they feared would lead to health complications.

The residents of estates located along Mombasa Road said the noxious gases, which were often emitted at night, were causing respiratory problems especially in children, who were now exhibiting symptoms such as nose bleeds, vomiting and sore eyes.

Mary Muthoni, a resident, said that despite lodging complaints with the authorities 14 days ago, nobody had bothered to get in touch.

Ms Muthoni compared the smell of the toxic gas to that of teargas, adding that it caused rritation once inhaled. She also noted that the smell was strongest during the evening.

“Authorities such as Nema should come to our rescue and help us identify where the emissions are coming from. Last weekend we had a severe case and we were forced to stay indoors and keep the windows shut to avoid contact with the gas,” said Muthoni.

The mother of one was also quick to note that this was not the first time they had occurred, saying that they had suffered a similar fate years ago.

Another resident, Jacob Mwiliza, said he had developed breathing difficulties after inhaling the toxic gas and was also experiencing severe coughing and vomiting.