Nairobi: Sukari Industries Limited in Ndhiwa Sub County, Homa Bay County, has been acknowledged for meeting all environmental compliance standards set by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). The company received a clean bill of health following an independent water quality assessment conducted by the environmental authority.
According to Kenya News Agency, Homa Bay County Director of Environment Jacob Asembo confirmed that the company's effluent discharge complies with the Kenya Water Quality Regulations 2024. The assessment, conducted on July 18, 2025, involved sampling water from five points along River Kuja and its associated underground water sources. Asembo noted that all tested parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, and chemical oxygen demand, were within permissible limits.
This development comes after a visit by the Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on a fact-finding mission regarding the factory's compliance with environmental laws. The visit followed a petition tabled by Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla after complaints from residents about pollution in River Kuja. However, the NEMA report identified elevated turbidity and suspended solids upstream and downstream of the factory, attributed to poor farming practices and destruction of riparian vegetation by local communities.
Jacob Asembo explained that River Kuja is under stress due to upstream land encroachment and urged the company to collaborate with the local community in afforestation efforts along the riverbanks. He assured that underground water sources showed no contamination from Sukari's operations, which are crucial for the community's domestic use.
Community representative Milton Orwe Obote, who participated in the assessment, acknowledged the results. During the Senate Committee's visit, Senator Faki Mohamed Mwinyihaji emphasized the need for improved community relations and greater transparency. He urged communities to elect representatives capable of engaging meaningfully with the company.
Sukari's Communications Manager, Edward Ahonobadha, expressed satisfaction with the independent findings, highlighting the effectiveness of the company's waste management systems. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue through newly established communication channels, reflecting the company's commitment to maintaining harmonious relations with the local community.