When Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Limited was established in 2008, Kisumu residents had high hopes of employment and improved living standards after the collapse of Miwani Sugar Company.
However, this has not been the case. Today, their hopes remain far from reality as they cry foul over massive pollution from the sugar miller.
From effluent discharges directly into River Kibos, to noise and air pollution, the list of environmental effects of the company is endless.
River Kibos is a source of water for thousands of locals as well as their animals.
The hardest hit institutions are Kibos Prison, Kibos School for the Blind and Kibos Primary School. Residents now regret the company’s existence.
Magnam Environmental Network chairman Michael Nyaguti said residents are suffering from constant pollution.
A spot check by a local daily on River Kibos last week established a highly polluted river with its waters turned to black.
Pipes discharging raw effluents into the river are placed beneath the water surface with a CCTV camera mounted to monitor the process.
Residents in Kisumu East and Muhoroni said there is a constant emission of raw effluent into River Kibos.
Ruth Otieno, a resident, said they have been suffering for long.
“The company’s raw effluent discharges into the river make it unfit for domestic use,” she said.
They said the water also has a pungent smell. Mustapha Hamisi blamed the county and national governments for failing to tackle the issue.
Abdala Ramadhan, a 72-year-old who has been living in Kibos since birth, said they have been greatly undermined and their rights violated for a long time.
Calls made to the factory’s chairman Raju Chanan went unanswered. He also did not respond to text messages when contacted.