Governor Nyong’o cracks down on illegal quarries after four siblings die

Nyong'o says only quarry and mining operations that possess valid legal approvals and have demonstrable, enforceable safety standards shall be considered for resumption.

In the directive, Nyong'o says no mining or quarrying activity shall be permitted to operate without a clearly approved, time-bound land rehabilitation and restoration plan to ensure that excavated sites do not remain hazardous to the public.

He has also directed the County Department of Environment, in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Office of the

County Commissioner, to immediately constitute a joint task force. 

The task force shall carry out a comprehensive audit of all existing quarries within the county, enforce full compliance with the law, and take firm legal action against all individuals or entities operating illegally or in violation of safety and environmental regulations.

In a statement, Nyong'o says the tragedy could have been prevented, noting that the existence of open, unregulated, and unsafe quarries within communities is unacceptable.

Nyong'o says the safety of children and citizens cannot be compromised by negligence, disregard for the law, or irresponsible exploitation of the environment