In response to the tragic explosion at an Embakasi gas company, President William Ruto has directed the suspension of four National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) officials involved in the issuance of the plant’s license. The ongoing inquiry uncovered that the officers processed the license inappropriately, overlooking the company’s failure to comply with proposed conditions.
This action follows the President’s directive to the Ministry of Energy to dismiss state officers implicated in the licensing process. The explosion resulted in three fatalities and over 200 injuries, prompting President Ruto to emphasize the accountability of government officials.In the aftermath of the fatal explosion at an Embakasi gas company, four NEMA officials find themselves suspended as investigations unfold. NEMA, in a statement on Saturday, revealed that the officers, including the Director of environmental compliance, Acting Deputy Director compliance, Senior environmental officer in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) section, and head of environmental impact assessment in the EAI section, are under scrutiny for allegedly processing the license in an unprocedural manner.
Their oversight allowed the company to operate without meeting proposed conditions.President William Ruto swiftly took action, directing the Ministry of Energy to dismiss state officers linked to the licensing of the ill-fated plant. The President expressed his discontent, stating that individuals involved in such lapses should not hold government office or receive taxpayer-funded salaries.
The urgency of these decisions comes in the wake of the explosion that claimed three lives and left more than 200 individuals hospitalized in various Nairobi hospitals. President Ruto’s stance emphasizes accountability and underscores the gravity of ensuring public safety in the issuance of licenses and regulatory processes.
