The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has temporarily shut down several water treatment facilities following an accident in which a lorry carrying chemicals overturned in the Matharu area of Timboroa Location, Uasin Gishu County.
In a statement on Friday, November 21, 2025, NEMA said the spill released an unidentified substance into the Kipkarren Bindura Kesses river system, prompting concerns about potential contamination for communities downstream.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
The authority confirmed that emergency response measures were immediately implemented to prevent the spread of the chemical.
“A multi-agency county team has visited the site, cordoned off the area, and collected samples for analysis at the Government Chemist,” NEMA said.
The lorry was reportedly en route to a neighbouring country, and officials are reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheet to guide the response.
Emergency crews worked to divert the chemical away from the main river channel, a step deemed critical to protecting downstream communities. Trenches were dug around the affected area to contain and neutralize any remaining chemical residue. The lorry involved in the spill has been removed and taken to Burnt Forest Police Station.
NEMA confirmed that the mixture was denatured to prevent contamination and as a precaution, several water treatment plants—including Nabkoi, Kesses, and Moi University water supply facilities—have been temporarily closed until water safety is verified.
The authority urged residents in affected areas to avoid using river water for domestic or livestock purposes until sample analysis is complete.
Click Here To Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel
Members of the public are also encouraged to report any unusual environmental signs such as discolored water, wilting plants, or foaming water to NEMA.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the community and the multi-agency team involved in the response,” NEMA stated.
Further updates will be provided once the Government Chemist completes testing and the environmental impact assessment is finalized.
