By A Special Correspondent
County Technical Taskforce to Report Back In 30 Days
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. today unveiled a County Technical Working Team to assess the effects of oil spillage in Thange Ward.
The spill, first detected in 2015, is suspected to be the result of a leakage on the Kenya Oil Pipeline and possibly spillage from a cargo train accident. Neither Kenya Pipeline Corporation nor Kenya Railways Corporation, key state corporations operating in the region, has stepped forward to sustainably manage the oil spill, notwithstanding their rossy environmental conservation policy positions.
The spill has continued to affect the local community and the environment in Kibwezi East Sub County leading to serious health risks, including respiratory issues and skin conditions, as well as environmental damage such as water contamination, loss of aquatic life and reduced soil fertility.
While addressing a public forum in Thange market, Governor Mutula called on the newly unveiled team to accelerate their investigation into the effects of the oil spillage and submit an interim report within a month.
“Let’s refrain from prioritizing personal and political interests at the expense of affected residents and the damaged local ecosystems,” stated the governor.
The 8 member team, consisting of technical officers from the environment, water, livestock, public health and water analysis sectors, will play a key role in establishing the foundation for filing a formal complaint and determining the way forward for the affected community.
Mutula was joined by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CECMs Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Dr. Paul Musila (Health), Eng. John Kieti (Water), County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, and MCAs Eric Katumo, Harrison Mwanzia, and Brian Nzoka.
