Posted on February 20, 2025
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a notice on new sand harvesting regulations.
In a statement on February 18, 2025, the new sand regulation will require sand harvesters to obtain transport permits.
“The main objective of the regulations is to ensure sustainable utilization of sand as a resource, while at the same time protecting the environment.,” the statement read.
Further, this was to bring to the attention of sand transporters that the Sand Harvesting Regulations, 2024 will require a sand transportation permit from the Authority.
How to Obtain NEMA Permit
The Authority regulations are promulgated by the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
According to the statement, all sand transporters are therefore required to immediately apply for transport permits.
They are advised to apply for the permit by logging into the NEMA website licensing portal and harvesting.
Further, relevant stakeholders are required to fully comply with the provisions of regulations that can be accessed through the authority’s website.
Other Sand Harvesting Regulations
The regulation requires that no person shall cause or permit the removal of sand from any river, lake, ocean, farm, or other land.
The Authority may, after the issuance of an environmental impact assessment license suspend, cancel, or revoke such license.
An environmental impact assessment license for sand harvesting cannot be issued to the following sites, cemeteries, cultural sites ecologically sensitive areas, or any other area prohibited by law.
NTSA New Regulations on Cargo
This notice comes after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) issued new regulations that affected cargo transportation.
It stated that any cargo transported by a heavy commercial vehicle must be contained, covered, immobilized, or secured so that it cannot leak from, or spill.
Moreover, any portion of a load that includes sand, gravel, crushed stone, or a mixture of stones that is carried by a vehicle on a public road must be covered.
The covering must be made of tarpaulin, canvas, wire mesh, netting, or another material capable of containing the load within the vehicle or load container.
In addition, the vehicle or load container in such a manner that it cannot be separated from the vehicle or load container.
