Launch of RRI on Effluent Discharge License

The Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations 2006 were gazetted in September 2006.

The regulations cover a wide scope of sectors including: domestic water, industrial, agricultural, recreational, fisheries, wildlife and other prescribed water use under Section 71 of EMCA 1999 as well as penalties for non-compliance.

Midterm Review Report (60 Days). HERE

The launch of the RRI on EDL at NEMA HQ

The Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations 2006 were gazetted in September 2006. The regulations cover a wide scope of sectors including: domestic water, industrial, agricultural, recreational, fisheries, wildlife and other prescribed water use under Section 71 of EMCA 1999 as well as penalties for non-compliance.

Related:

Firms shut for discharging untreated effluent. READ

Water Quality Regulations: READ 

NEMA Chairman, Mr. John Konchelllah speaking during the RRI on EDL launch at NEMA HQ

The increasing environmental degradation especially pollution to water bodies necessitated the need to formulate the regulations.NEMA launched the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) on Effluent Discharge License (EDL) on 8th May 2019 at NEMA headquarters. The exercise will be implemented initially in two Counties in every region in the first six days. The exercise will then be cascaded into the rest of the Counties.

The NEMA inspectors will be visit all facilities eligible for EDL licensing issuing them with improvement notices and directing them on how to apply for EDL licenses.The board of management of NEMA has therefore planned for a rapid results initiate to catalyze compliance with our water quality regulations.

NEMA Director General, Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu speaking during the RRI on EDL launch at NEMA HQ 

The scope will be the entire country divided into zones as follows; coast, North and South Lake, Nairobi, North Eastern, Central region, North and South rift. “According to an analysis done in 2016, a potential No. 16,211 facilities require EDL. Therefore, there is need to utilize available tools and structures which will enhance awareness and enforcement leading to understanding of the applicability of the regulation by all stakeholders thus contributing to improved compliance,” NEMA Chairman John Konchellah stated during the launch.  

The main goals of the inspections will be to increase the number of facilities in compliance to EDL, improve efficiency in licensing process and awareness creation on the need to comply with water quality regulations.

L-R_ Deputy Director M &E, Ms. Betty Nzioka, Director Legal services, Irene Kamunge, Principal Corporate planning, Godfrey Mwangi and Chief Compliance Officer,  Margaret Njuki during the launch of RRI on EDL

In line with how RRI are run, the following shall be the focal persons; Political Leader, Mr. John Konchellah; Sponsor: Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu and Strategic Leader, Hon. Agostinho Neto.

The chairman has also warned those flouting regulations that stern action will be taken against them.The Authority hopes that within the first 100 days, every eligible operator will have been brought into the regulatory regime.