- When quarries and mines collect water they pose serious danger to people and animals.
- According to the Meteorological Department, the rains will intensify on Thursday.
An environmental watchdog has warned that Kenyans near unattended quarries risk death as rains continue pounding the country.
The National Environment Complaints Committee told the Star on Tuesday that there were many quarries left unattended.
“There are several quarries following the extraction of building materials across the country posing serious risks,” NECC secretary John Chumo said.
The Meteorological Department says the rains will intensify on Thursday and reduce on Saturday in Western and Central Kenya.
"The heavy rainfall is expected to reduce across the country on Saturday," Met director Stella Aura said.
NECC's mandate is to investigate environmental mismanagement and degradation in Kenya. It also undertakes public interest litigation on behalf of citizens on environmental matters.
Chumo said when quarries and mines collect water they pose serious danger not only to people but also to animals.
There has been increased degradation of the environment in the country due to quarrying and mineral extraction.
“We have quarries and mining sites in various parts of the country such as Coast, Migori and Kakamega,” he said.
The environmental impacts of quarrying and mining activities include disturbances of flora and fauna, visual squalor, noise pollution, dust and vibrations causing negative human health impacts and destruction of property.
Chumo said mining also affects the hydrological functions and competes with ecologically protected zones such as national reserves, game parks and gazetted forests.
Quarrying is a major industry in Kenya, which supports the local construction industry, creates many employment opportunities and is a major contributor to the national economy.
However, the manner in which it is undertaken is of concern.
“Authorities concerned must ensure that such sites are rehabilitated once such activities have been completed,” Chumo said.
His concerns come at a time when heavy rains have left a trail of destruction in the country.
On Monday, the government urged residents of Tana River and Garissa to move to safer grounds because Masinga, Kindaruma and Kiambere dams are all full and could spill over anytime.
Eight counties in danger of flooding have already been mapped out. They are Murang’a, Taita Taveta, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Garissa, Tana River, Kitui, and Kisumu.
The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory that the heavy rainfall will continue for the better part of this week.
Nairobi, Western, Northeastern and the Coastal region have recorded at least 30mm of rain in the last 24 hours and this is expected to continue throughout the week.
The intensity of the rain in Nairobi and the Western region will reach 40mm on Thursday and Saturday.
The weatherman has asked residents of some sections of Rift Valley, Central, Western and Coast regions to be on the lookout for floods.
Edited by Henry Makori