Cement Firm Defies Community, Begins Borehole Drilling in Itimboni
By The Anchor Reporter
April 20, 2025 – Lukenya, Machakos County
A storm is brewing in Itimboni village after Lambodat Cement Lukenya Limited began drilling a borehole under a cloud of controversy, ignoring repeated objections by local residents and allegedly flouting regulatory procedures.
The firm, which previously faced backlash over plans to construct a cement processing plant in the same location, has now shifted focus to water extraction. The move has reignited tensions in the community, with locals accusing the company of deceit, forgery, and blatant disregard for environmental laws and community rights.
Residents see the water drilling as the first step to establishing the cement factory.
Residents claim the company bypassed public participation and legal processes by submitting a falsified “No Objection” letter to authorities. The letter, supposedly from the Itimboni community, bore signatures of individuals who do not reside in the area. A second letter, this time from the local Assistant Chief and bearing 40 signatures — many from outsiders and non-residents — was also discredited by the community.
Despite numerous letters of protest, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Machakos County officials have remained silent, fueling suspicion among locals.
Matters took a turn over the Easter weekend when the developer commenced drilling, allegedly to avoid legal intervention during the holiday period.
“This company has consistently disrespected the community. They are drilling without our consent, without a Water Resources Authority certificate, and without county approval,” said Dorothy Mueni, a resident and banking officer who has been at the forefront of the protests.
The community also alleges that the drilling site is unsecured, posing environmental and health risks due to dust and noise pollution.
In a move that has angered residents further, the company produced a letter from NEMA’s Director General purporting to greenlight the drilling — a decision locals say disregards their sustained opposition and lacks transparency.
They now question how Lambodat Cement obtained an Environmental Impact Assessment report without meaningful public participation.
The Anchor reached out to a phone number in the firm’s documents where a lady named Jigar Sukhpar denied being a director but, nevertheless, promised to revert with a comment.
The people of Itimboni are demanding an immediate stop to the drilling operations and a full investigation into the approvals granted to the company.
They insist that any development in the area must be preceded by genuine consultation, proper documentation, and the community’s express consent.
As tensions rise, residents are calling on the county government, NEMA, WARMA, and human rights groups to intervene before the situation escalates further.
