Africa Nazarene

Hydroponic project ESIA

study report
Group 2
NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER

AUGUSTINE MWENGA 21S01EIA005

JAPHET ABAE MOROA 21S01EIA012

GRACE WANGUI MWANGI 21S01EIA001

SYLVESTER SAMO OCHIENG

LILLIAN NTHOKI MUTHAMA 21S01EIA009

WYCLIFFE OMONDI OGUTU 21S01EIA019

IVY GATHII  21S01EIA008

ANDREW MURINGU NDUNGU

ESTA MLALE MWALOMA 21S01EIA003

ISAIAH GICHOHI 21S01EIA013

PETER KWINGA MUNYAO 21S0IEIA014

Group 2: ANU Hydroponic farming ESIA Study

Chapter 1: Introduction
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Fine touch has been contracted on the bases of specific terms of reference to undertake an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) for a Hydroponics
Farming project at Africa Nazarene University. The project has received donations from USAID and the Church of the Nazarene who helped finance the project
alongside Africa Nazarene University. The project analyzes the design, establishment, installation and initial operations of a pilot hydroponics unit. In addition, the
proponent will support the provision of the technical assistance, training and business management skills required to ensure the pilot is managed as effectively as
possible.

The ESIA will provide the baseline environmental and socioeconomic context for the project and recommend appropriate measures to avoid, reduce, and mitigate
environmental and social risks.

Specific objectives include:

• To identify possible environmental impacts, both positive and negative.

• To assess the significance of the impacts during each project phase.
• To propose preventive mitigation and compensatory measures for the significant negative impacts of the project on the environment.
• To identify the compliance to policy, legal and institutional framework.
• To obtain public views, concerns and values with regard to the proposed project by consulting communities living in the proposed project area.
SCOPE OF ESIA
The Environmental Impact Assessment will be conducted at the site for the proposed hydroponic farming and the surrounding area. The assessment involved the site seeing, interviews with beneficiaries,
relevant consultants and government agencies. To generate an environmental impacts assessment for submission, it involved a systematic examination of all proposed activities. The broad areas that were
to be addressed included:

● Policy, Legal and Institutional framework

● Environmental baseline conditions
● Social and Economic baseline conditions
● Resettlement issues
● Public consultations
● Anticipated impacts and mitigation measures

The report will generate the following:

● Nature of the project and describing the project and associated works together with the requirements.
● The location of the project including the physical area that may be affected by the project activities.
● The activities that shall be undertaken during the project phases.
● The potential environmental impact of the project and mitigation measures to be undertaken during and after the project cycle.
● An action plan for prevention and management of possible accidents during the project cycle
● A plan to ensure the health and safety of the workers and the stakeholders being affected by the project.
● Identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the detailed design, construction and operation of the project which are necessary to mitigate these environmental
impacts and reduce them to acceptable levels.
● The project budget.
● Any other information that the proponent may be requested to provide by NEMA.
Chapter 2: Project Description
Chapter 3: Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework
Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework
The Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 2015, is the framework law on environmental
management and conservation. EMCA establishes among others the following institutions;
• National Environment Committee (NEC).
It is charged with the responsibility of developing the national environmental policy in Kenya as well as to set annual
environmental goals and objectives.
• Public Complaints Committee (PCC)
The PCC was formed to investigate environmental complaints against any person, submit their
findings/recommendations to the NEC and to submit periodic reports of its activities to the NEC
• Standards Enforcement Review Committee (SERC)
The SERC has been established under the Act to advise NEMA on the criteria and procedures for the measurement of
environmental quality in Kenya. Environmental quality relates to air quality, wastewater quality, waste quality, noise
quality, land use quality, etc. Additionally, the SERC is required to recommend to NEMA minimum environmental quality
standards for all environmental parameters for which subsidiary legislation is or has been promulgated.
• National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
It was established as the principal instrument of government charged with the implementation of all policies relating to
the environment, and to exercise general supervision and coordination over all matters relating to the environment. In
consultation with the lead agencies, NEMA is empowered to develop regulations, prescribe measures and standards and
issue guidelines for the management and conservation of natural resources and the environment. The Act provides for
environmental protection through;
❖ Environmental impact assessment
❖ Environmental audit and monitoring

Group 2: ANU Hydroponic farming ESIA Study

Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework
• The Environmental Management and Coordination Act (1999/2015) provides for the legal and institutional framework for the management of the
Kenyan environment. Under the framework law, the Second Schedule provides guidance of activities which should undergo Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) while projects already in place should undertake annual Environmental Audits (EA). However, there are other national legislative
provisions which the project proponent will be required to comply with in regard to air emissions, effluents, solid waste, and hazardous materials
and work environment management. 
• The principal legislation that may be applicable by this project include;
1. Environmental Management and Coordination Act (2015)
2. Water Act of 2016
3. Food, Drugs, and Chemicals substances Act (Cap 254) 
4. Agriculture Act (Cap 318) 
5. The Work Injury & Benefits Act, 2007 
6. Occupational Health and Safety Act 2007 
7. Public Health Act (Cap 242) 
8. The County Government Act 2012 
9. Constitution of Kenya (2010) 
10.Physical Planning Act (Cap 286) 
11.EMCA (Waste Management) Regulations 2006 
12.EMCA (water quality) Regulations 2006 
13.EMCA, (1999) Water Pollution Prohibition 1999 
14.Pest Control Products (Disposal) Regulations, 2006. 
15.The Factories and other places of Work (Noise Prevention and Control) Rules, 2005 
16.Medical Examination Rules, 2005
17.Fire Risk Reduction Rules, 2007

Group 2: ANU Hydroponic farming ESIA Study

Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

Institutional Arrangement
• Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
The mandate of the ministry is to promote, monitor, conserve, protect and sustainably manage the environment, forestry
and wildlife and water resources for national development.The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is a
department under the Ministry of Environment, among others. 
The core functions of the Ministry include:
❖ Environment and Natural Resources Policy formulation, analysis and review
❖ Sustainable management of Mineral resources and conservation of environment
❖ Continuous development of geo-database for integrated natural resources and environmental management systems
❖ Conduct applied research and dissemination of research findings in land resources and geology
❖ Carry out geological surveys, mineral exploration and regulation of mining and use of commercial explosives
❖ Promote, monitor and coordinate environmental activities and enforce compliance of environmental regulations and
guidelines
• National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was established under the Environmental Management and
Coordination Act (EMCA) as a Government Parastatal and became operational on January 1, 2002. The National
Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is an advisory and regulatory body and therefore it is the principal
Government institution responsible for the implementation of all policies relating to the environment. The Authority is
responsible for dealing with Environmental and Impact Assessment (EIA) reports. 

Group 2: ANU Hydroponic farming ESIA Study

Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

ANU Mandate
• Africa Nazarene University has plans in motion to teach students in the Environment and Natural Resource
Management Department cutting-edge farming processes, allowing them to learn first-hand the proper ways to use
hydroponic systems and preparing them to impact their communities through state-of-the-art ways to generate food
security where they live, serve and work.
• Learning how to implement food security initiatives and clean water sourcing are two key factors students will learn at
ANU, helping them to be head-and-shoulders above students graduating from other institutions. This will attract
students from all faiths to come and learn at ANU because of the higher standard gained in hand-on learning. It is our
hope that when coming they meet Jesus along the way and learn to walk with him daily.
• The ANU’s test farm and lab will not only impact the university students but will also be used for teaching in the
community around ANU and others who will come and learn about hydroponics and other forms of farming at ANU.
Short Courses will generate extra income to ANU as well as the selling of produce from the experimental farm.
Students will learn the many facets and procedures required to run and maintain a commercial farm on a micro scale.
ANU’s test farm will also be a great initiative for training and empowering the surrounding community at ANU in
hydroponics farming and technology. ANU is located in an arid area, and hydroponics farming has great potential to
transform food production in the area, improve food security and health by introducing more nutritious foods.
Key Partners
• Church of the Nazarene
• United States Agency for International Development
• Individual donors 

Group 2: ANU Hydroponic farming ESIA Study

 Chapter 4: Environmental Baseline Conditions

● Located in the middle of great Masaai Savannah, next to Nairobi National Park.
● Natural vegetation consists of grasslands with scattered shrubs, among the grasses Themeba Triandra and
Setaria Sphacelata are the most common ones.
● The climate is warm and temperate with a significant amount of rainfall during the year.
● Topographically, the proposed project site is in Athi Kapiti Plains.
● It consists of mainly undulating slopes.
● Altitudes ranges from 1580-2460m above sea levels.
● The rocks are grey in coarse ground mass.
● The soil is black cotton soil which is stable and well-drained.
● Water resources available are Two Africa Nazarene Boreholes,
Rainwater and Kandisi river a tributary of Mbagathi River.
Chapter 5: Social and Economic Baseline Conditions
● Administrative Setting

● The county is divided into five administrative sub-counties namely: Kajiado Central, Kajiado North, Loitokitok, Isinya and Mashuuru, with a total of 17
administrative divisions. The hydroponic farming is within the school’s administrative setting.

● Population and Demography

● There is a marked variation in population density in the county. The county’s 2018 average population density stands at 51 persons per square kilometre with
Kajiado North with the highest density at 2217 persons per KM2 and Kajiado West with the lowest density at 20 persons per KM2.

● Migration Patterns
● The county's population is split evenly between urban and rural areas, with the former housing the vast majority of the county's residents. Climate change has
exacerbated population pressures in the county, resulting in a shift in land use and cover.
● Settlement Patterns and Housing Conditions
● A significant difference exists in the quality of housing in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. In urban areas, there are both high-end neighbourhoods and
enormous slums to choose from. The majority of the houses in peri-urban areas are permanent or semi-permanent in nature.
● Land Tenure and Land Use

● Production and development are heavily dependent on the availability of land. Located in Kenya's semi-arid and arid regions, the site location within the school
has a wide range of land and water resources.
● Administrative Setting

● The county is divided into five administrative sub-counties namely: Kajiado Central, Kajiado North, Loitokitok, Isinya and Mashuuru, with a total of 17
administrative divisions. The hydroponic farming is within the school’s administrative setting.

● Population and Demography

● There is a marked variation in population density in the county. The county’s 2018 average population density stands at 51 persons per square kilometre with
Kajiado North with the highest density at 2217 persons per KM2 and Kajiado West with the lowest density at 20 persons per KM2.

● Migration Patterns
● The county's population is split evenly between urban and rural areas, with the former housing the vast majority of the county's residents. Climate change has
exacerbated population pressures in the county, resulting in a shift in land use and cover.
● Settlement Patterns and Housing Conditions
● A significant difference exists in the quality of housing in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. In urban areas, there are both high-end neighbourhoods and
enormous slums to choose from. The majority of the houses in peri-urban areas are permanent or semi-permanent in nature.
● Land Tenure and Land Use

● Production and development are heavily dependent on the availability of land. Located in Kenya's semi-arid and arid regions, the site location within the school
has a wide range of land and water resources.
Chapter 6: Resettlement Issues
Chapter 7: Public Participation
● Conducted by Fine Touch as requested by the proponent through the contractor
● Done inline with ESS10 (Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure) and the Environmental Management
and Co-Ordination Act NO. 8 of 1999.
Stakeholder consultation was aimed at:
● Ensuring all environmental and social issues were considered in decision making process
● Ensuring that all possible adverse impacts are identified and possible measures towards avoidance or minimization are
done
● Informing the public on the proposed development,
● Identifying crucial impacts and means of mitigation
● Avoiding serious and irreparable damage to the environment
Chapter 8: Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Impacts - Environmental Linkages

The construction of the hydroponic project has notable environmental linkages arising from the physical location being in the university and near a water body, i.e., a
seasonal river which has been dammed (with a weir) and it’s the source of water for both the university and some community members. This, therefore, calls for an
integrated and collaborative approach to the works planning to ensure minimal conflicts with environment. Among the key environmental and ecological aspects likely
to be affected by the project works include:

(i) Loss of vegetation cover (Acacia trees, among other natural bushes and grass),

(ii) Disruption of surface drainage system from the catchment during and after the construction works,

(iii) Waste management - including spoil dumping, dry vegetation matter, construction debris and polyethene materials, affluent management

(iv) Conflicts due to competition for resources - Sharing of services and amenities with the university community including water supply, land, power supply and
access roads during the construction and post construction period arising from additional demand for the facilities,

(v) Conflicts at the construction materials sources (road safety, dust generation, noise and land degradation, etc.),

(vi) Insecurity issues – due to increase in interaction with outsiders, workers, suppliers, customers. etc

(vii) Health and safety - HIV/AIDS, STIs and covid 19, farm produce/products, outbreak of communicable diseaseas, contamination of water resources, increased
accidents

(viii) Competition of resources – water, land, power, etc

Group 2: ANU Hydroponic farming ESIA Study

Chapter 9: Environmental and Social Management Plan
 Environmental and Social Management Plan
Issues Management Actions Responsibility and
Timeframe
Land Degradation - Proper waste disposal Contractor
Waste and spoil dumping, - Oil & Grease containment Proprietor (ANU)
Oils, grease and fuel spills measures – paved workshop
pavements
Air quality Control ✔ Baseline for air quality status, Contractor
Dust, Emissions (hydrocarbons) dust suppression, vehicle speed
Potential OHS and Public Health challenges
regulation, maintain equipment,
provide PPEs

Waste - Liquid and solid ✔ Prepare a Waste Management Contractor

Vegetation matter disposal Plan Engage, ANU
Spoil disposal
Construction debris, oil, surface run off, ✔ Licensed waste handler.
Water sources poluction ✔ Provision of appropriate sanitary
facilities
✔ Functional drainage sytems

Group 2: ANU Hydroponic farming ESIA Study

Issues Management Actions Responsibility and
Timeframe
Health and safety - Prepare policies Contractor
Potential road accidents, personal accidents, - Training of workers ANU
Fire outbreaks, Occupational hazards (emissions, - Awareness creation on HIV/AIDS, Through out the
sanitation), Noise, Vibrations, HIV/AIDS, covid 19 and covid 19 project cycle
- Provide IEC materials and
suppliers, testing and vaccinations

Social conflicts ✔ Development of Policies, stakeholders Contractor

- Employment, gender issues, communication engagement, GRMs, code of conduct, ANU
challenges, insecurity ✔ Work with local security, administration
and leadership Through out the
project cycle

Competition over Resources ✔ Harvest rain water for the project and Contractor
ensure recycling of the same ANU
▪ Competition for water resources, Potential high cost
of power/electricity, ✔ Install alternative power sources Through out the
▪ Conflict with other facilities especially solar to run the green house project cycle
✔ Implement the ANU land use
 - water for use, High electricity costs,
masterplan.
o Land use

Group 2: ANU Hydroponic farming ESIA Study

Chapter 10: Conclusions and Recommendations 
 Conclusion
The implementation of a hydroponics project is in alignment with the university’s key
mandates of building character, competency and community. The positive impacts identified
in the report, greatly outweigh the negative impacts and will promote the enhancement of the
university, students’ and communities capacity and knowledge, thus ensuring the continuous
growth of the university.

Recommendation
It is recommended that the project be implemented in accordance to the following:
i)Implementation in accordance to the relevant legislation and requirements of Kenya. An
EHS officer to be on site to ensure all regulations and safety measures are upheld.
ii)Adherence to the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)
iii)Periodic Environmental Monitoring and annual Environmental Audits after construction to
keep track of the project’s compliance of the EIA licence and uphold a positive environmental
management record.