EPZA bosses in high drama to evade Nema crackdown
Senior Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) officials yesterday made a dramatic escape to avoid arrest following an inspection tour by the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) that exposed the garment maker as one of the biggest polluters of Nairobi River.
Aided by some officials, including the police, Moses Kipkabus, the EPZA Trade and Investment manager took off in an unmarked Pick-up leaving Nema officials stranded at the authority’s compound in Kitengela.
The Nema board had just completed inspection at the EPZA’s dumpsite and was headed to its sewer line area when Kipkabus decided he wanted nothing more with the tours and took off.
The other person identified as Peter Wainaina, the acting CEO of EPZA also hoodwinked the environmental officials, led them to Mombasa Road, and sped off in one of the parastatal’s car.
Led by board chair John Konchellah and acting Director General Mamo Boru Mamo, the Nema officials said EPZA had been notified on January 28 on the need to close down the yard because it had not complied with the Waste Management Regulations of 2006.
“You were supposed to have complied on February 13, 2019, when you acknowledged receipt of our notice to close the dumping yard. But since then you haven’t done anything. This means that you have refused to comply with the Waste Management Regulations,” Konchellah told the two officials earlier.
Rough time
Kipkabus had a rough time explaining to the officials, circumstances under which the dumping yard, which Nema termed illegal, was operating.
At the same time, the Nema team lauded the nearby Alpharama Tanneries for complying with environmental requirements.
“We want each and every factory in this country to emulate what Alpharama is doing. This company is a good example,” Konchellah said.
