The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has taken action against Mumodi Logistics Ltd, a private developer, for illegal construction on a four-acre plot owned by Kenya Railways in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
The development, situated along Likoni Road, behind BAT Industry, has been fined Sh250,000 following a site inspection.
NEMA Director General Mamo B revealed that the authority’s team, comprising two inspectors and three police officers, visited the site after receiving complaints from local residents about unauthorized construction.
“The team observed that the Kenya Railway Line passes through the site, and construction activities were ongoing despite the absence of necessary approvals,” Mamo said.
Associated Battery Manufacturers (ABM) Engineering Manager Wilson Olando decried that Mumodi Logistics had put up structures covering the drainage and sewer lines and expressed concern that this could have dire consequences on surrounding companies such as British American Tobacco (BAT), East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL), and ABM itself.
“We are worried that should we experience heavy rains, then the drainage system will be compromised,” said Olando.
He added, “The developer went ahead and put up structures without conducting an Environmental Assessment report. This is illegal. Despite raising our concerns, their operations seem to continue unperturbed.”
The inspection uncovered significant violations, including the use of backfilling materials and an excavator at the site. Despite the ongoing construction, Mumodi Logistics Ltd representatives were unable to provide the required approval and ownership documents. “The representatives of the proponent onsite failed to provide the relevant approval and ownership documents,” Mamo added.
In response to the violations, NEMA issued an improvement notice to Mumodi Logistics Ltd. The notice demands that the developer cease all construction activities immediately and submit the necessary documents.
Additionally, the company must provide a commitment letter to NEMA indicating their intention to comply with the issued notice.
