Residents of Ngoingwa estate in Thika, Kiambu County, have raised alarm over a factory they say is endangering their health and polluting the environment.
The factory, located in Mukarara, Kisiwa, produces egg trays using waste materials, including plastics. Residents claim the emissions from the plant are hazardous and have exposed them to serious health problems.
Led by Nyumba Kumi leader Francis Njuguna, the community staged protests, demanding that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and other relevant agencies shut down or relocate the factory to a designated industrial zone.
“No public participation was conducted as required by law, yet the factory continues to put our lives at risk. People are increasingly suffering from respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies, and skin infections. Authorities must move swiftly and close the premises,” Njuguna said.
Parents say children have been hit hardest. Resident Doreen Awinja noted that since the plant started operations a year ago, children have suffered persistent coughs, colds, and other respiratory illnesses.
“The government should act immediately to protect us,” she added.
Another resident, Ndung’u Gatiu, expressed suspicion over the approvals that allowed the factory to operate, saying the process was never transparent.
Documents seen by journalists indicate that NEMA had previously directed the factory owner to halt operations pending investigations, but residents insist the order was ignored.
The plant, which began operations about a year ago, came to light when locals noticed trucks offloading raw materials and ferrying away finished products.
Residents now want both the national government and Kiambu County to intervene, arguing that their constitutional right to a clean and safe environment is being violated.
