Kilifi Salt Firms Expansions Halted

A multiple stakeholder committee scheduled for January 16th has been created by the Coast National Government Regional Coordinator, as a forum for dialogue and reaching consensus on the issue.

The companies have also been ordered to halt all use of firewood until an alternative source of fuel is agreed on.

National Environmental Authority (NEMA) General Director Geoffrey Wakhungu assured residents that NEMA is committed to ensuring a lasting solution to the issues dating 30 years ago.

Earlier, community leaders and officials had voiced their dispeasure at the companies’ expansion into new land and the few fresh water resources in the area.

They expressed fears of residents losing their right to fresh water if the companies continued with their expansion activities.

This comes after the Kilifi County Government banned the sale of fruit trees to salt companies which had made fruit trees in the County a target.

The companies affected by the order include: Kensalt, Krystalline Gongoni, KEMU Salt, Malindi Salt, Kraystalline Marereni and Kurawa Salt Firm.

By Diana Kariuki