The Homa Bay county government has banned quarry and sand harvesting to avoid disasters during the heavy rains.
Ward administrators in areas where such activities are undertaken have been urged to work with local chiefs to execute the directive.
The county government said engaging in the activity poses danger to human life due to ongoing rains.
Homa Bay director of disaster management Eliud Onyango said soils in such areas have become weak and can degenerate to landslides.
Speaking on Saturday in Homa Bay town, Onyango said they were taking precautions to avert any possible deaths of residents.
“The government has put a stop to sand harvesting and quarry mining in the county as a precautionary measure for its people. The ban takes effect immediately until further notice,” Onyango said.
Sand harvesting is rampant Osodo in Karachuonyo constituency, Gem in Rangwe constituency, Gingo in Suba North and Ogande in Homa Bay Town constituency.
The director said residents have previously lost their lives in some of the sites while undertaking such activities to earn a living.
“Ward administrators are hereby directed to collaborate with local chiefs and prevent people from engaging in the activities to avoid any disaster,”Onyango said.
The county department of disaster management urged parents to restrain their children from playing around quarries.
Last week, a child drowned in South Kabuoch, Ndhiwa constituency, while swimming in a quarry.
“We appeal to everybody to be extra-vigilant during the ongoing rains,” Onyango said.
