Kisumu to audit quarries, overhaul emergency response after drowning deaths

Kisumu county government has constituted a multi-agency team to audit all quarry sites and overhaul emergency response systems, following the recent drowning of four boys in an abandoned pit in Kanyakwar, Kisumu Central.

Deputy governor Mathew Owili said the team will map active and abandoned quarries, assess compliance with environmental and safety standards and recommend enforcement and rehabilitation measures within set timelines.

The decision follows a ban on all quarrying activities in the lakeside county due to a tragic incident that occurred on Sunday evening. The task force will be expected to address enforcement gaps and disaster preparedness to avert further loss of lives.

“The county government has banned all quarrying licences and activities to prevent future tragedies and will review and strengthen the laws governing mining and quarrying,” Owili said.

“We are therefore establishing a task force to oversee and regulate all quarrying activities, ensure proper demarcation of commercial sites, fencing of hazardous areas and sealing of abandoned pits,” he added.

Owili chaired a multi-agency meeting attended by county commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, Kisumu Central MCA Samuel Omollo, Environment executive Judith Oluoch and officials from the National Environment Management Authority.

The deputy governor said the task force was expected to begin field inspections immediately.

He added that the county government would also fast-track stalled land dispute cases blamed for encroachment and illegal mining, arguing that unclear land ownership has complicated enforcement and allowed unsafe sites to operate unchecked.

The audit will include a review of emergency response protocols including coordination between the county disaster teams, national government administrators and environmental regulators.

The deputy governor added that the team was expected to recommend standard operating procedures for rapid response to incidents at quarries, mining sites and other emergencies.

“The findings of the audit will inform proposed amendments to county laws governing mining and quarrying, with an emphasis on stricter licensing conditions, mandatory site rehabilitation bonds and clearer safety obligations for operators,” he said.

After the meeting, Owili and the multi-agency team visited the bereaved family in Obunga, where he termed the incident a stark reminder of the cost of regulatory lapses.