Nominated Senator Betty Montet/ HANDOUT
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Senators have raised the alarm over the rapid mushrooming of residential estates near industrial plants across counties.
The lawmakers warned that the developments have exposed thousands of Kenyans to dangerous pollution, industrial accidents and long-term health risks.
Nominated Senator Betty Montet, who triggered the debate with a petition to the House, said the uncontrolled development of homes near factories was creating a dangerous mix of residential and industrial activities.
“The establishment and expansion of residential estates near industrial plants continues to raise serious environmental, public health and safety concerns,” Montet said.
She said residents were potentially exposed to dust, toxic gases, industrial effluent, excessive noise and other pollutants.
Montet specifically cited developments around Lukenya County Villas, Maanzoni and Kyumbi in Machakos county, saying their proximity to industrial facilities raised serious environmental, public health and safety concerns.
She warned that while the estates were helping to meet the growing demand for housing, especially among workers employed by nearby industries, the developments could expose residents to hazards that threaten not only homes but also schools, healthcare facilities and the wider environment.
The senator sought the intervention of the Senate’s Land, Environment and Natural Resources Committee to inquire into the matter.
She wants the panel to establish whether adequate safeguards are in place to prevent residential developments from encroaching on industrial zones.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei described the situation as a potential catastrophe, warning that an industrial accident in an area surrounded by homes could have devastating consequences.
“What we are seeing happening is actually a disaster in waiting,” Cherargei said.
“Anything can happen in an industry and that would be disastrous. County governments and the State Department of Physical Planning must look at this thing keenly.”
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said the problem was not limited to Machakos but was spreading across major urban centres in the country.
“These industries emit dangerous gases. We are exposing our people to diseases,” Osotsi said.
He cited Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu and Machakos among areas facing the growing challenge, describing it as a national problem requiring urgent intervention.
Montet wants the committee to establish whether there are adequate zoning policies, regulations and planning guidelines governing the establishment of residential estates near industrial plants, and whether those rules are being enforced.
She also wants scrutiny of the legal framework governing the conversion of industrial land into residential use, including mixed-use developments where industrial and residential activities exist side by side.
The committee is expected to examine county spatial plans, integrated development plans and national urban development policies to establish whether they are effectively preventing land-use conflicts.
Montet also wants regulators to confirm whether Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic Environmental Assessments have been conducted before such developments are approved.
Of particular concern are safeguards against chemical spills, dangerous emissions, noise pollution and other industrial hazards.
The senator further wants details of enforcement measures against developers, industries and regulatory agencies that violate zoning, environmental, public health and planning laws.
The senators’ concerns come amid rapid urbanisation and rising demand for affordable housing, which has pushed residential developments into areas previously dominated by industrial and agricultural activities.
