Nema on Tuesday closed nine fuel stations in Bungoma town for lack of effluent discharge certificates.
The authority is seeking to eradicate effluent discharges by petrol stations in the town.
Bungoma Nema director Vincent Mahiva said the crackdown is conducted annually to ensure petrol stations meet the authority's requirements.
“This inspection is not only being done here in Bungoma. It is a countrywide exercise. I want to tell those who have not met Nema requirements to comply,” he said.
“Apart from petrol stations, we will be inspecting bakeries, shops and hotels in Bungoma county.”
Mahiva said the petrol stations will remain shut until they comply.
“The National Oil, M’ big and Total are some of the petrol stations that the authority closed for noncompliance," he said.
Mahiva urged petrol station operators to follow the right procedures before establishing businesses to avoid interruptions.
“A couple of weeks ago I shut down a slaughterhouse in Bungoma town due to noncompliance. I was there today and confirmed that the owner is trying to rebrand it. Let other operators adhere to the law. I can’t allow people to break the law as I watch,” he said.
Mahiva said businesses that fail to comply will remain shut. He said those who violate the authority order risk imprisonment of between two and four years or be fined between Sh2 million and Sh4 million.
He said the crackdown will continue in Webuye, Kimilili, Mt Elgon, Chwele, Tongaren and Sirisia.
Edited by A.N
