National Environment Management Authority of Kenya

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is a Kenyan government agency responsible for the management of the environment, and environmental policy. NEMA is located in Nairobi.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is the principal agency of the Government that was created under the Environment Management and Coordination Act, CAP 387. The Authority is established to exercise general supervision and co-ordination over all matters relating to the environment and to be the principal instrument of Government in the implementation of all policies relating to the environment.

The Environment Management and Coordination Act, CAP 387, Section 9 (2k) the objects and function of NEMA requires that the Authority initiate and evolve procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental degradation and evolve remedial measures where accidents occur. The Authority receives and responds to environmental incidents as per the National Incident Classification Scheme. 

Over the years, the Authority has faced challenges in response to incidents due to lack of a clear framework which ensures the principle of consistency as outlines in the Principles of compliance and enforcement is adhered to. Below is a list of some of the frequently asked question which the authority has attempted to answer in a bid to guide the general public on where to report different incidents.

History

The Agency was formed on 1 July 2002 following the merger of three government departments: the National Environment Secretariat, when they started offering licenses and permits related to environmental management in Kenya. (NES), the Permanent Presidential Commission on Soil Conservation and Afforestation (PPCSCA), and the Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS).

FAQs

Where do I report when there is a building being constructed generating noise, dust and working late into the night Click to collapse

All new developments listed under the second schedule of the EMCA CAP 387 are supposed to be subjected to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which involves a rigorous consultation process before issuance of an EIA License. The EIA license issued normally has conditions to protect the neighbors from dust, noise and other nuisance related to the development among other conditions.

Report to the nearest NEMA County Director of Environment their contacts are available on the NEMA website; www.nema.go.ke or call NEMA hotline 0786 101 100 or email to [email protected]

Where do I report when I realize that my neighbor is operating a factory within our residential area causing noise nuisances and bad odour Click to collapse

The county government is responsible for business licensing  and zonation hence you may consult the nearest County Government office on the licensing of such a business.

A factory established is one among listed under the second schedule of the EMCA CAP 387 and ideally should undertake Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which involves a rigorous consultation process before issuance of an EIA License. The EIA license issued normally has conditions to protect the neighbors from dust, noise and effluent discharge among other nuisance related to the development;

Where do I report an incident of soil from construction sites being illegally dumped? 

Report to the nearest NEMA County Director of Environment their contacts are available on the NEMA website; www.nema.go.ke or call NEMA hotline 0786 101 100 or email to [email protected].

There illegal dump site within our estate, on the road reserve, along the river etc.? Who is in charge of collection of solid waste? 

According to the Environmental Management and Coordination (waste Management) regulations, 2006, the responsibility of safe disposal of waste lies with the generator of the waste and hence there should be no waste disposed in undesignated site within the estate or public areas.

Collection and disposal of municipal waste in designated sites is a function of the County Government. Report or complain to the nearest County Government offices on the illegal waste disposal.

Where do I report illegal dumping \or accumulation of hazardous waste (such as biomedical/ hospital waste, batteries, waste oil, E-Waste, scrap metal and asbestos)? 

Handlers of hazardous waste such as biomedical/ hospital waste, batteries, waste oil, E-Waste, scrap metal and asbestos among other should be done by NEMA licensed operators for safe collection and disposal.

Report to the nearest NEMA county Director of Environment their contacts are available to the NEMA website; www.nema.go.ke or the NEMA hotline 0786 101 100 or email to [email protected]

Where do I report when sewage is being released onto the environment from a septic tank or from a busted sewer line? 

The owner of an onsite Effluent Treatment facilities such as septic tanks, bio digesters, wetlands e.t.c. should ensure that the plant is functional and efficiently working before discharging to the environment. NEMA regulates the Effluent treatment facilities though Effluent Discharge License (EDL) as provided for under the EMC (Water Quality) Regulations, 2006.

The public health department approves and monitors operation of effluent treatment facilities for buildings.

Report sewer discharge from an effluent treatment facility to the nearest public health office or to the nearest NEMA County Director of Environment their contacts are available to the NEMA website; www.nema.go.ke or the NEMA hotline 0786 101 100 or email to [email protected]

Major Sewerage infrastructure is the property of the water services board but managed by the water and sewerage companies. Any burst sewer line or a blocked manhole discharging into the environment should be reported to the water and sewerage companies e.g. NCWSC, RUJWASCO for action;