Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, EGH has today assented to law the Kitui County River Basins Sand Utilization and Conservation Bill 2023

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, EGH has today assented to law the Kitui County River Basins Sand Utilization and Conservation Bill 2023.

The bill seeks to address the wanton destruction of the River basins and surrounding environment due to unregulated sand harvesting.

Governor Malombe, in his remarks said the county has in the recent past experienced an increasing demand for her naturally occurring sand noting his government’s commitment to save the county from receding water tables, drying up of most rivers, unstable river banks and unchecked floods.

“Some of the most affected rivers are Kivou, Tiva, Nzeeu, Mutendea, Mwitasyano, Tyaa, Nguutani, Enziu, Mwania among others”. He said. According to the governor, the assent of the bill is in fulfillment of the constitutional requirements including individual and collective contribution and roles contemplated in Article 69 and fulfilled in Article 70.

Further, Governor Malombe pointed out that lack of legislation framework attracts resource based conflicts, environmental destruction, inequality in benefit sharing, socio economic disruptions and poverty.

The legislation, he emphasized, was inspired by his manifesto to uphold environmental protection and conservation.

On his part, CA Speaker Kinengo Katisya termed the law as a product of collaborative efforts of the people of Kitui, the County Assembly and the executive. He further lauded the MCAs for “prioritizing the interests of the People of Kitui”.