By Virginia Siebela
Residents of Itimboni, a quiet community nestled along Mombasa Road in Machakos County, have erupted in protest over the controversial construction of a cement mixing plant, voicing fears that the facility could pose grave risks to their health and overall well-being.
The community is alarmed by the expected release of hazardous pollutants typically associated with cement plants—such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide—known to trigger respiratory issues and other serious health complications.
With many families, children, and elderly people living nearby, locals argue that the potential dangers far outweigh any promises of economic gain.
Itimboni Community Chairperson Timothy Kilonzo condemned the project, pointing out that dust and noise from the plant would shatter the peace of their neighborhood and effectively convert the residential zone into an industrial site.
Calling for accountability and openness, the residents are demanding a comprehensive environmental impact assessment before any further work proceeds.
Kilonzo revealed that during a public participation meeting held in November last year, over 200 community members rejected the plant. Yet, despite their opposition, construction activities have commenced—starting with the digging of a borehole—raising eyebrows among locals.
The community is also crying foul over alleged forgery, claiming their signatures were fraudulently used to falsely indicate support for the project.
"It is better us to be crucified than to be killed technically in a place we have called home for more than thirty years," lamented longtime resident Thomas Munyao.
Residents warn that the plant is being set up dangerously close to homes, schools, hospitals, and churches—posing both health hazards and fears of forced evictions.
Machakos County Lands CECM Nathaniel Nganga acknowledged receiving several petitions against the plant and confirmed that the company’s approval process was riddled with irregularities. As a result, the county government has suspended and revoked the project’s approval.
Nganga made it clear that no industrial developments would be permitted in residential zones and encouraged investors to consider New Machakos City, which has over 2,000 acres allocated for industrial projects—thereby avoiding similar clashes in the future.
Now, the Itimboni community is calling on the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Machakos County government, and other regulatory bodies to cancel the certificate issued to the unnamed investor and permanently halt the construction.
