We’re not to blame for Nakuru cemetery crisis, says Nema

The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has refuted claims that it is to blame for the long delay in the acquisition of land for a public cemetery in Nakuru.

Nema Deputy Director of Field Operations Robert Orino said before a piece of land is approved [for such a purpose], there are a number of procedures that need to be followed.

“A cemetery is a disposal ground for human waste and like any other waste, it requires proper disposal. It is not Nema that obstructs or derails the process of acquisition of the licenses.” he said.

He noted that apart from soil assessment, the location of a cemetery needs not to inconvenience any member of the public.

“Before approval of a cemetery land, there should also be acceptance by the members of the public as failure to this, anyone has the right to go to court and challenge the decision by Nema,” he said.

CHALLENGES

Some of the procedures include assessing the type of soil to ensure that the land is not marshy or rocky.

Nakuru County has been facing challenges in acquiring an alternative piece of land as most of the cemeteries are filled up.

Some of the challenges include taboos among locals who hinder purchase of land as some feel uncomfortable when a cemetery is located near their homes.

Mr Orino said the main problem is the public perception on cemeteries and dumping sites.

“Apart from taboos, there has been an issue where cemeteries are not properly managed and therefore nobody wants them near them,” he said.

So far the main cemeteries, which include the Nakuru North and Njoro cemeteries cannot accommodate more bodies while little space is left in Nakuru South, Gilgil and Naivasha cemeteries.

The county government has set aside Sh50 million for the project.

It is, however, yet to identify a suitable piece of land for the purpose.