The Kenyan government has introduced strict regulations to control sand harvesting, a practice that has led to environmental degradation, including water and air pollution, riverbank erosion, and loss of biodiversity. The new Environmental Management and Coordination (Sand Harvesting) Regulations, 2024, aim to ensure sustainable sand mining while preventing further damage to natural ecosystems.
A key aspect of the regulations is the requirement for transporters to obtain a permit from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) before moving sand. The permit application must include proof of an Environmental Impact Assessment License indicating the sand’s source, personal details of the applicant, transportation mode, and a processing fee of KSh3,000. NEMA will review applications within five working days, and approved permits will be valid for a maximum of three months.
Strict guidelines have also been set for sand transportation. Vehicles carrying sand must have a physical copy of the permit at all times, which must be presented upon request by an environmental inspector, police officer, or any authorized personnel. Additionally, sand can only be transported between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm to minimize illegal activities and environmental disruption during nighttime hours.
The penalties for non-compliance are severe. Anyone found violating these regulations will be prosecuted under Section 144 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999. Offenders risk a fine of up to KSh350,000, imprisonment for up to 18 months, or both. The regulations also place responsibility on sand harvesting proponents to rehabilitate affected sites in accordance with an approved rehabilitation plan.
The introduction of these measures comes at a time when global concerns over unsustainable sand mining are growing. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has identified sand as the second most used commodity in the world after water. Marine sand, a crucial component in construction, is being depleted at unprecedented rates, raising alarms about long-term sustainability.
With these new regulations, Kenya joins the global effort to balance economic activities with environmental conservation. The government hopes that strict enforcement will not only curb illegal sand harvesting but also promote responsible mining practices. By ensuring compliance with environmental laws, the country can protect its water sources, maintain biodiversity, and secure its natural resources for future generations.
