By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 21 November 2025 - The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued an urgent public warning following a lorry accident that spilled an unknown-coloured chemical substance into the Kipkaren-Bindura-Kesses river system in Uasin Gishu County.
NEMA in a press release on Friday said the incident occurred when the lorry overturned at Matharu area in Timboroa Location, releasing its contents directly into the waterway.
A multi-agency response team from the county government swiftly visited the site, cordoned off the affected area, and collected samples for detailed analysis at the Government Chemist.
As precautionary measures, authorities have diverted the spilled chemicals away from the river to limit further downstream contamination.
The lorry, which was en route to a neighbouring country, has been removed from the scene and towed to Burnt Forest Police Station.
"We have established that the said lorry was destined to a neighbouring country, and we are in possession of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)," NEMA said.
Trenches have been dug around the spill site and the mixture denatured to prevent additional environmental damage.
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Water supplies at Nabkoi Water Treatment Plant, Kesses Water Treatment Plant, and Moi University have been temporarily shut off to minimise the risk of endangering the lives of the residents.
Members of the public have been strongly advised against using water from the affected river for any domestic use, including feeding livestock, until laboratory results confirm it is safe.
"Members of the public are advised not to use water from the affected river for drinking and other domestic purposes either by human or animals until analysis of the collected samples is complete," NEMA added.
Residents are urged to immediately report any unusual observations to NEMA, including coloured water, wilting vegetation, foaming or any other abnormal signs along the river or its banks.
NEMA has lauded cooperation from members of the public as the multi-agency team works round the clock in the clean-up and containment efforts.
For now, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to protect both public health and the environment.
