Governor Nyong’o Suspends Quarrying Activities After Four Siblings Drown in Abandoned Site
In a directive issued on Monday, Governor Nyong’o halted all forms of quarrying, including murram excavation and sand harvesting, as the county moves to address safety concerns linked to unregulated mining sites
By : Mweru Mbugua
Kisumu County Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has ordered the immediate suspension of all quarrying activities across the county following the tragic death of four siblings who drowned in an abandoned open quarry in Kanyakwar
In a directive issued on Monday, Governor Nyong’o halted all forms of quarrying, including murram excavation and sand harvesting, as the county moves to address safety concerns linked to unregulated mining sites
The governor stated that only quarry and mining operations with valid legal approvals and proven, enforceable safety standards will be considered for resumption. He further emphasized that no mining or quarrying activity will be allowed to operate without an approved, time-bound land rehabilitation and restoration plan to prevent excavated sites from posing risks to the public
Nyong’o 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 form a joint task force
The task force will conduct a comprehensive audit of all existing quarries in Kisumu County, enforce compliance with the law, and take firm legal action against individuals or entities operating illegally or in breach of safety and environmental regulations
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In a statement, the governor described the incident as preventable, noting that the presence of open, unregulated, and unsafe quarries within residential communities is unacceptable. He stressed that the safety of children and residents cannot be compromised by negligence, disregard for the law, or irresponsible exploitation of the environment
The four siblings drowned on Sunday evening while swimming in the abandoned quarry, an incident that has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of environmental and public safety regulations across the county
