NEMA STRENGTHENS ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE IN MURANG’A AVOCADO PROCESSING SECTOR

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), under the wise and transformative leadership of Director General Dr. Mamo B. Mamo EBS, continues to strengthen environmental compliance while supporting innovative approaches to sustainable economic development across Kenya.

NEMA recently joined the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources for a field visit to avocado processing factories in Kandara and Maragua Sub-Counties, Murang’a County, following a petition to the Senate over concerns surrounding the disposal of untreated waste from avocado processing facilities.

The Senate committee, led by its Chairman and Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki, Vice Chairperson Senator Karen Nyamu, Senator Joe Nyutu of Murang’a and Senator Mariam Sheikh Omar, undertook the visit alongside Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr. Deborah Barasa EGH and other stakeholders.

Representing NEMA at the engagement was Director of Environmental Compliance David Ongare, on behalf of Dr. Mamo B. Mamo EBS.

The field engagement highlighted the importance of collaboration between Parliament, the Ministry of Environment, NEMA, county stakeholders, industry players and local communities in addressing environmental concerns while ensuring that productive economic activities remain sustainable.

A key highlight of the visit was the emergence of innovative circular-economy solutions that are turning what was previously viewed as waste into valuable products.

CS Barasa noted initiatives involving the farming of Black Soldier Fly (BSF), which converts organic waste from avocado processing into high-protein animal feed and nutrient-rich organic fertiliser. The waste is also being used in the production of briquettes.

Such innovations demonstrate the enormous potential of Kenya's agricultural value chains to generate additional economic value while reducing environmental pollution.

The CS encouraged residents to embrace the circular economy and take advantage of opportunities emerging from avocado processing, underscoring the importance of transforming waste into productive resources.

NEMA's role remains particularly critical in ensuring that such industrial activities operate within the country's environmental laws and established standards.

The Authority has licensed seven avocado processing factories within Murang’a County following the preparation and approval of Environmental Management Plans and Environmental Impact Assessments.

Importantly, NEMA continues to monitor the operations of the facilities to ensure compliance with the conditions attached to their licences. The Authority also undertakes annual environmental audits as part of its continued oversight.

This proactive approach reflects the leadership philosophy under Dr. Mamo B. Mamo EBS, where environmental protection is pursued alongside sustainable economic development.

Rather than viewing environmental regulation purely as enforcement, NEMA continues to encourage industries and communities to adopt cleaner technologies, responsible waste management practices and sustainable production systems.

The Murang’a engagement therefore provides an important example of how environmental governance can support economic activity while protecting communities and ecosystems.

The avocado processing sector has significant potential to create employment, support farmers and generate value-added products. However, its growth must be accompanied by responsible waste management and strict adherence to environmental standards.

Under Dr. Mamo's stewardship, NEMA continues to play its statutory role of ensuring that development does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

The field visit also demonstrated the value of evidence-based engagement, with stakeholders able to assess the situation on the ground, identify challenges and explore practical solutions.

The growing adoption of Black Soldier Fly technology, organic fertiliser production and briquette manufacturing offers a glimpse into a future where waste is increasingly regarded as a resource rather than a burden.

For Murang’a's avocado industry, this presents an opportunity to pursue growth while embracing cleaner and more sustainable production models.

The work being undertaken by NEMA demonstrates the importance of strong environmental oversight in supporting Kenya's transition towards a circular economy.

With Dr. Mamo B. Mamo EBS providing steady leadership at the Authority, NEMA continues to demonstrate that environmental protection, regulatory compliance and economic development can work hand in hand.

The Murang’a experience is therefore a timely reminder that responsible development is development that protects the environment, creates opportunity and leaves communities healthier and more sustainable for future generations.