By Erick Otieno
MACALDER, MIGORI COUNTY – Growing concerns over environmental degradation and public health risks caused by heavy trucks transporting mining materials through Macalder Township have prompted the Nyatike Green Revolution Development Project to petition the government for urgent intervention.
In a letter dated 4th July 2026 and addressed to the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Macalder Sub-County, the organisation, working in conjunction with philanthropists and the Macalder Business Fraternity, called for a multi-stakeholder meeting to address the worsening dust pollution caused by mining activities in the area.
The petition, signed by the organisation’s Director, Jared Ongalo Owuonda, cites the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA), arguing that residents have a constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.
According to the organisation, heavy tipper trucks transporting mining materials and tailings along the township’s rough roads generate excessive dust, particularly during the dry season. The dust, they say, has become a serious environmental and public health concern affecting learning institutions, health facilities, businesses, government offices, and thousands of residents.
“We request urgent intervention to protect the public from excessive dust generated by heavy tipper trucks transporting mining materials,” reads part of the letter.
The petition highlights several institutions said to be adversely affected, including the Deputy County Commissioner’s Office, Macalder Sub-County Government Offices, Macalder Police Station, Macalder Sub-County Hospital, St. Gabriel Primary School, Macalder Catholic Church, Macalder Central SDA Church, Macalder Primary School, Joy Gracious Academy, Macalder Vocational Training College, Rongo University–Macalder Campus, World Vision, Imela Clinics, and numerous businesses within Macalder Township.
The organisation expressed particular concern over school-going children, saying pupils are exposed to heavy dust during learning hours and lunch breaks, creating an unhealthy environment that could negatively affect their education and health.
Patients seeking treatment at health facilities, government employees, traders, and other members of the public have also been identified among those bearing the effects of the persistent dust.
Director Jared Ongalo Owuonda urged the government to convene a meeting involving mining companies, relevant government agencies, and community representatives to develop practical and lasting solutions.
“We respectfully request your office to convene a meeting involving all mining stakeholders, including the Chinese mining companies, relevant government agencies and community representatives,” Owuonda stated.
Among the proposals presented by the organisation are requiring mining companies to deploy water bowsers to regularly spray roads used by heavy trucks, participate in the maintenance and improvement of damaged roads, and adopt environmentally responsible transportation practices aimed at reducing dust pollution.
The organisation believes these measures will significantly reduce environmental pollution, improve public health, protect school children, and promote peaceful coexistence between mining companies and the local community.
Copies of the petition were forwarded to several key offices, including the County Commissioner, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the County Executive Committee Member for Environment, area Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly, the Public Health Office, mining companies operating in Macalder, and other stakeholders expected to participate in finding a sustainable solution.
Residents now hope the appeal will prompt swift government action to safeguard public health while ensuring mining activities continue in a manner that respects environmental standards and the well-being of the community.
