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Kitui County Strengthens Environmental Conservation with New Sand Management Committee
In a landmark move to regulate sand harvesting and protect natural resources, Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has officially launched the Kitui County River Basins Sand Utilization and Conservation Committee. This initiative represents the culmination of a year-long effort following the signing of the Kitui County River Basins Sand Utilization and Conservation Act 2023 into law on March 1st, 2024.
Since the bill’s enactment, the county government has been working tirelessly to put in place a structured framework to streamline the sand value chain, ensuring that sand harvesting remains both economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable.
At the heart of this initiative is a 12-member committee, chaired by Mr. Benjamin Mukulo, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Sand Act. The committee will regulate sand harvesting, enforce environmental conservation measures, vet license applications, and provide strategic direction for sustainable sand utilization.
Governor Malombe emphasized that the committee’s core mandate is to strike a delicate balance between sand extraction and water conservation in river basins. This move aligns with the constitutional requirement for a clean and healthy environment, ensuring that natural resources are managed responsibly for both present and future generations.
A key feature of the Sand Act is the establishment of seven site-based community sand groups, which will oversee conservation efforts in Kivou, Enziu, Nuu, Mui, Mwingi, Waita, and Tiva rivers. More such groups are expected to be set up in the coming months, reinforcing the county’s commitment to community-led conservation efforts.
Governor Malombe reiterated that the sustainability of Kitui’s natural resources depends on effective management and collaboration between the government, local communities, and other stakeholders. He urged residents to support the initiative, emphasizing that sand harvesting should not come at the expense of environmental degradation.
With this initiative, Kitui County is setting a precedent for responsible resource utilization, ensuring that sand, a valuable commodity, is harvested sustainably without depleting the region’s river basins.
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