Firm Defended Against Pollution Claims

        Kilifi County government and national government agencies have defended a local cement factory against environmental pollution claims.

The county government said the allegations by a civil society group against the Athi River Mining Factory based in Kaloleni was untrue and were aimed at frustrating investors.

“Kilifi County government is marketing the area to international investors especially those in the industrial sector to facilita creation of more jobs and we will not entertain groups out to,”said Kilifi deputy governor Mr Kennedy Kamto, who led area residents in a demo to support the firm.

 Area resident recently held a demonstration in support of the firm after the group, Human Rights Agenda (Huria), published a report accusing the factory of pollution.

Probe company  The report dubbed ‘Polluted Justice’ unveiled on Monday details alleged pollution by the company and recommends a probe into the firm’s activities.

“From the household survey conducted on the environmental, health and safety impacts of Athi River Cement Company on the community neighbouring the company, all the respondents said that the activities of the company were affecting the environment and the people negatively,” states the report.

Yesterday, the cement company rubbished the allegations, terming them “a gross misrepresentation of facts.”

“The implied link between our activities and adverse environmental and health effects is false and malicious.

We established that these reports were doctored and obtained under false pretenses,” said the company’s Managing Director Pradeep Paunrana in a statement yesterday.