Residents of Gongoni area in Magarini Sub County, Kilifi County stage demos against the ongoing expansion of a local salt manufacturing company. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti.
Residents of Gongoni area in Magarini Sub County, Kilifi County, have staged protests against the ongoing expansion of a local salt manufacturing company, accusing it of destroying critical water catchment areas and exposing the community to serious health and economic risks.
The residents have faulted Krystalline Salt Limited over its proposed expansion project on a 10-hectare piece of land, claiming that the activities have encroached on human settlements and interfered with underground freshwater sources, leading to increased salinity in wells relied upon by the community.
Led by Kijanaheri village resident Douglas Kudundi and Kaya elder Tsuma Nzai, the residents demanded an immediate halt to the expansion works and the restoration of the affected water catchment areas.
Kudundi said the company’s activities, particularly the excavation and construction of salt crystallization ponds, were already disrupting livelihoods in the area. He noted that water vendors and sand harvesters were among those most affected as salinity levels continued to rise.
“The expansion has encroached on residential areas and some families are now facing threats of displacement. Sand harvesters are also suffering because the sand has become saline and buyers are rejecting it since it is unsuitable for construction,” said Kudundi.
The residents further accused local leaders of siding with the investor instead of protecting the interests of the community.
Speaking during the protest, Kaya elder Tsuma Nzai urged the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to intervene and stop the project before the situation worsens.
“This is a vital water catchment area and despite our attempts to stop the project, the developer continues with the works. We want NEMA to step in and protect the environment and the people,” said Nzai.
For Samuel Nzai, a resident of Mjanaheri village where most freshwater wells are located, the effects of salinity have already devastated his water vending business. He said he previously filled up to 20 water bowsers daily but now manages only one.
“We depend on these wells for survival. The money we earn helps us buy food and pay school fees, but now the salt activities are threatening our livelihoods. The government must stop this project before more damage is done,” he said.
Samuel also raised concerns over an increase in waterborne diseases in the area, especially among children and elderly residents, which he linked to contaminated water sources.
“There are many cases of diarrhea affecting children and older people. The contaminated water is putting our lives at risk and this project is causing more harm than good,” he added.
His sentiments were echoed by Margaret Nzaro, who claimed many families were spending heavily on treatment for diarrhea and other illnesses linked to unsafe water.
“Recently, authorities said Gongoni had a cholera outbreak, but what people are experiencing is diarrhea caused by contaminated water. The contamination is a result of the ongoing expansion activities by Krystalline Salt Limited,” she alleged.
The residents have now issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding that the expansion works be stopped, warning that they would take unspecified action against the company if their grievances are ignored.
