Okilgei residents protest against alleged pollution from a sawmill factory
A section of road that usually floods with rain water.
Residents of Okilgei in Rongai sub-county have expressed concern over the toxic wastewater produced by a sawmill factory in Njoro. They claim that this wastewater is putting their health and that of their livestock at risk.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, local resident Sospether Njuguna said that the problem had persisted for years, particularly during the rainy season.
"We have an industry in Njoro called Biashara Masters, a sawmill that releases wastewater whenever it rains. This water flows downstream into Okilgei and stagnates here. Our livestock end up drinking it, and it is very hazardous,” he says.
Residents say they have resorted to blocking the drainage channels carrying the effluent into their area due to inaction.
Mosop Ward MCA Alex Langat acknowledged that poor drainage in Njoro, combined with industrial discharge, had worsened the situation.
A section of Njoro leading to Ogilgei.
“Whenever it rains, there’s a tunnel from the company that releases wastewater. Coupled with Njoro’s poor drainage, the water finds its way into Okilgei, flowing along roads before settling in residential areas,” he explained.
However, Daniel Waithanga, Director of Biashara Masters, dismissed the allegations, insisting that his company does not release toxic waste into the environment.
"The real problem is poor drainage in Njoro. Most of the rainwater from the town and markets passes near my factory before flowing downstream. The flash floods often carry market waste and residues that are not ours,” Mr Waithanga told Mtaa Wangu.
He added that both NEMA and Nakuru County Government officials had already inspected the facility in response to the complaints.
Residents claim that toxic waste is usually carried by rain water.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) confirmed that they were aware of the claims. Evans Nyabuto, NEMA’s Deputy Director of Corporate Communications, said their team had visited the site on September 23, 2025.
“We carried out inspections today. A preliminary report will be ready today, though the full findings may take longer," Mr Nyabuto says.
For now, residents of Okilgei say they will continue to press for accountability while they await the official findings.