NEMA shuts down key water plant after lorry carrying chemical overturns
By Ascah Mwango, November 21, 2025The National Environment Management Authority has shut down several key water treatment plants after a lorry transporting a chemical substance overturned in the Matharu area of Timboroa Location, Uasin Gishu County.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 21, 2025, NEMA said the incident caused an unknown coloured substance to spill into the Kipkarren Bindura Kesses river system, raising fears of water contamination across multiple communities.
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NEMA confirmed that immediate emergency actions were taken to prevent further spread of the substance.
NEMA said a multi-agency county team rushed to the site, secured the scene and collected samples for laboratory analysis. The agency said the samples had been taken to the Government Chemist to establish the exact nature of the substance.
“A multi-agency team from the county has already visited the site, cordoned the area and taken samples for analysis at the Government Chemist,” NEMA said.
The authority added that the lorry was en route to a neighbouring country and that officials are already studying the Material Safety Data Sheet to guide response measures.
NEMA said emergency crews acted quickly to minimise contamination by diverting the chemical away from the main river channel. According to the agency, this step was crucial to protect communities living downstream.
“Additional precautionary measures have been taken to divert the chemicals away from the river to prevent any further downstream pollution,” the statement said.
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The agency confirmed that the lorry involved in the spill has been removed from the scene and taken to Burnt Forest Police Station. Trenches have also been dug around the affected area to contain and neutralise any remaining chemical residue.
“The mixture was denatured to prevent any contamination,” NEMA noted, saying the effort was meant to ensure no traces seep into the environment.
As part of its safety measures, NEMA announced the temporary closure of several water treatment facilities.
“So far, we have cordoned off Nabkoi water treatment plant, Kesses water treatment and Moi University water supply out of an abundance of caution,” the agency said.
It added that the closures were necessary until authorities confirm that the water is safe.
NEMA has asked residents living within the affected areas to avoid using water from the contaminated river system. The agency stressed that the directive applies to both humans and animals.
“Members of the public are advised not to use water from the affected river for drinking and other domestic purposes, either by humans or animals, until analysis of the collected samples is complete,” the statement read.
The authority also encouraged residents to be vigilant and report any unusual environmental signs linked to the spill. “Members of the public are requested to report to NEMA any cases of colouring in water, wilting of plants, foaming of water and any other observation out of character,” NEMA said.
The agency thanked the community and all teams involved in the response.
“We appreciate the cooperation shown by the members of the public and the multi-agency team,” NEMA stated.
It added that further updates will be issued once the Government Chemist completes the analysis and a full assessment of environmental impact is made.