Kenya's NEMA opens 30-day public comment period on 25-storey, 464-apartment Westlands tower

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has given the public 30 days to comment on a proposed 25-storey residential development with 464 apartments on Ring Road in Westlands, Nairobi, the Kenyan news websites Kenyans.co.ke and The Kenya Times reported on 7 November. NEMA published the invitation in a Gazette notice on 6 November.

The notice was issued under section 59 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act and concerns an Environmental Impact Assessment study report. The project is proposed by a private limited company, Kenyans.co.ke said.

Members of the public have 30 days from the date the notice was published to send written or oral comments to the Director General of NEMA. The Kenya Times said every submission should quote the reference number NEMA/ENVIS/SR/00802.

The building would have two basement levels, a ground floor and 25 upper floors, if approved. It would hold 243 one-bedroom apartments, 154 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments and one penthouse, and provide 284 parking spaces.

The Kenya Times put the site at land identified as Nairobi/Block 4/238. Both outlets said the plans include swimming pools, gardens, children's play areas and sitting areas.

The report lists the environmental effects expected during construction and use. Kenyans.co.ke named soil erosion, dust, noise pollution, fire risk and heavier traffic on Ring Road. The Kenya Times named soil erosion, loss of vegetation, air and noise pollution, higher water consumption, more waste and traffic disruption.

The developer proposes water sprinkling to control dust, traffic marshals, sound barriers, fire detection equipment and proper waste disposal. It also plans rainwater harvesting, water storage, CCTV surveillance and security lighting, according to Kenyans.co.ke.

The Kenya Times added that trucks would be covered, deliveries made outside peak hours where possible, and waste passed to a NEMA-licensed waste handler. It also reported a complaints mechanism for neighbouring residents.

The full report can be inspected during working hours at NEMA headquarters on Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, Nairobi, and at the office of the Nairobi City County Director of Environment, The Kenya Times said. It can also be downloaded from the NEMA website.