Samora Residents Rally Against Controversial Project in Mavoko

Athi River – February 3, 2025

By Anchor Writer

Residents of Samora, a quiet agricultural and residential community in Mavoko Sub-County, are raising alarms over a proposed development project they say threatens the fabric of their neighborhood.

A private investor – Mongolia Development Limited – plan to construct 25 go-downs has sparked widespread concern about environmental and health risks, as well as procedural irregularities in the project’s approval process.

The go-downs, which are typically used for storage or industrial activities, pose several risks to the community, including pollution, health hazards to both residents and livestock, and the potential disruption of the area’s agricultural focus.

Despite these concerns, residents allege that due process has been ignored, and public participation—required by law for such projects—was never adequately conducted.

Illegal Encroachment Sparks Tensions

Tensions reached a boiling point when the developer constructed a perimeter wall that encroached on the main road, disrupting ongoing upgrades by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) to bitumen standards.

In December 2024, KURA issued a notice for the wall’s removal, but the developer ignored it. On January 26, 2025, KURA engineers, surveyors, and residents took matters into their own hands, tearing down the illegal structure.

Controversial NEMA Approval

Residents are particularly outraged by the role of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which granted an Environmental Impact Assessment license (No. NEMA/EIA/PSL/36245) for the project on November 19, 2024.

This approval was issued despite an existing stop order from the Machakos County Government and widespread protests from the community.

The apparent disregard for public input has raised serious questions about transparency and accountability within the licensing process.

Allegations of Political Influence

Further complicating matters, reports suggest that the project is linked to a high-ranking Cabinet Secretary, with representatives of the developer allegedly boasting about their political connections. This perceived impunity has left residents feeling powerless and sidelined.

Community Calls for Action

The residents of Samora are now calling on the relevant authorities to intervene and halt the project until proper procedures are followed. “Development should be lawful, transparent, and in the best interest of the community,” read part of a statement from concerned residents.

They are demanding that the rule of law be upheld and that public interest take precedence over private or political interests.

The unfolding controversy underscores the need for greater oversight in development projects, particularly those that stand to significantly impact local communities and the environment.

Campaign Gains Momentum

The residents have launched a grassroots campaign under the hashtags #SaveSamora, #EnvironmentalJustice, and #RespectDueProcess, rallying support to protect their neighborhood.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on whether authorities will step in to address the community’s concerns and enforce the rule of law.

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