Machakos county government has banned sand harvesting with immediate effect.
Speaking in Kivaa ward, Machakos county on Saturday, deputy governor Francis Maliti said that the ban takes effect immediately.
Maliti said that sand harvesting has led to environmental degradation resulting to harsh environmental patterns being experienced across the county.
The deputy governor said that the county will work closely with National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) officials to ensure the ban is strictly enforced.
Maliti asked residents who have been depending on sand harvesting to earn a livelihood to look for alternative sources of income.
He said that the county assembly is finalizing the law that will form the basis and enforcement of the ban.
"Our environment is at risk if we fail to take strict measures of conserving it and we call on Machakos residents to cooperate and help us restore our environment," he said.
Maliti said that sand harvesting apart from degrading the environment has led to community conflicts among residents.
He said that the county government will not tolerate any defiance of the order, adding that those found contravening the ban will be arrested and taken to court.
Maliti also added that the county assembly is working on the law that will see charcoal burning banned.
He said that charcoal burning has encouraged deforestation, adding that unless immediate action is taken then the environment will remain exposed to degradation.
Charcoal burning and sand harvesting are common in Ukambani counties.
Kitui governor, Charity Ngilu is currently facing incitement allegations in regards to the charcoal and sand harvesting ban.
A section of Kiambu politicians has accused the governor of allegedly inciting residents to burn down vehicles found ferrying charcoal.
The governor was last week granted Sh50,000 anticipatory bail stopping the police from arresting her over the incitement allegations.
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