The Government has shut down eight illegal sand harvesting and quarrying sites in Machakos County in a multi-agency crackdown aimed at curbing environmental destruction, protecting lives and dismantling criminal networks, involved in illegal sand trade.

The Multi agency operation that included the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Deputy County Commissioner’s office, the Ministry of Mining, the Machakos County Government and NGAO, targeted illegal extraction sites in Mua, Kasinga and Ngela

Speaking during the operation, Machakos DCC, Machira Gathugu, warned that the government would take firm action against illegal miners and transporters, insisting that all players in the sand supply chain, must comply with the law.

He said the crackdown was intended to protect residents from environmental degradation and criminal activities associated with illegal sand harvesting.

“We cannot stand by while criminal cartels line their pockets at the expense of our residents’ safety and environment,” Machira said.

He added that investigations had established that some operators lacked valid environmental and mining licenses, while lorries transporting sand, did not have the required permits and statutory documentation.

Machira directed Village Administrators, Chiefs and Traffic Enforcement Officers to maintain round-the-clock surveillance, to ensure the closed sites remained inactive and prevent illegal transportation of sand.

The DCC warned that anyone attempting to resume illegal operations or transport sand at night would face arrest, vehicle impoundment and prosecution

NEMA Director, Vincent Oloo, said the eight sites had violated the Environmental Management and Coordination (Sand Harvesting) Regulations 2024 under CAP 387.

He noted that uncontrolled excavation had caused severe soil erosion, destruction of riverbeds and underground water systems, as well as the creation of deep, hazardous pits that had resulted in loss of lives among workers and members of the public.

Oyoo said illegal sand transportation, was also an offence, adding that extraction sites operating without the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licences would remain closed.

He called for sustainable sand harvesting practices, warning that continued environmental violations threatened the ecological balance and safety of communities.

Local administrators also raised concerns over the involvement of organised youth gangs, who had allegedly taken control of some illegal mining sites, extorting transporters and intimidating residents opposed to the activities.

They warned that continued illegal sand harvesting poses serious long-term risks to communities. Uncontrolled excavation weakens riverbanks, accelerates soil erosion and alters natural river channels, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.

They added that it also threatens groundwater recharge by damaging riverbeds and disrupting the natural processes that sustain underground water reserves. This could worsen water shortages for households, livestock and farmers, particularly during prolonged dry seasons.

The destruction of fertile land and river ecosystems could further undermine agricultural production, reduce biodiversity and threaten the livelihoods of communities dependent on farming and other natural resources.

NEMA Director disclosed that deep excavation pits left abandoned after mining also remain a danger to children, livestock and unsuspecting residents.

“Over time, the damage could increase the cost of restoring degraded land, repairing affected infrastructure and securing alternative water sources,” noted Oyoo.

NEMA and the Ministry of Mining, are also expected to conduct environmental audits and oversee restoration measures in the affected areas.

The government said enforcement would continue to ensure that sand harvesting is conducted within the law and in ways that safeguard the environment and protect community livelihoods.

By Mary Mutanu and William Peshut