KISUMU, Kenya — Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has issued an executive directive suspending all quarrying activities across the county following the drowning of four young boys in an abandoned quarry at Kudho, Kisumu Central Sub-county.
In a condolence message issued on Monday, the governor described the deaths of the four siblings — sons of Felix Otieno — as a devastating and preventable tragedy that has plunged the county into mourning.
“With immediate effect, all quarrying activities, including murram and sand harvesting within Kisumu County, are suspended,” the directive reads.
Nyong’o said only quarrying and mining operations with valid legal approvals, enforceable safety standards, and approved land rehabilitation plans would be considered for resumption.
“No mining or quarrying activity shall be permitted to operate without a clearly approved, time-bound land rehabilitation and restoration plan to ensure that excavated sites do not remain hazardous to the public,” he said.
The four boys drowned after falling into an open, unregulated quarry near their home, an incident that has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of abandoned excavation sites located within residential areas across the county.
Calling the loss “a calamity beyond words,” the governor extended condolences to the family, relatives, and the wider community, saying the impact of the tragedy extended beyond one household.
“This is not just a loss to one family. It is a grievous loss to the Kudho Primary School community, Kisumu Central Sub-county, and the entire county. In these children, we have lost future professionals, leaders, and servants of our society,” Nyong’o said.
He faulted the continued existence of open, unsafe, and unregulated quarries within populated areas, stating that the tragedy could and should have been prevented.
“The safety of our children and citizens cannot be compromised by negligence, disregard for the law, or irresponsible exploitation of our environment,” he added.
As part of the executive action, Nyong’o directed the County Department of Environment to work jointly with the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and the Office of the County Commissioner to form an immediate multi-agency task force.
The team has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive audit of all quarrying sites in Kisumu County, enforcing compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and initiating firm legal action against individuals or entities operating illegally.
Environmental experts have previously warned that abandoned quarries pose severe public safety risks, particularly to children, and violate environmental protection standards under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA).
“We owe it to the memory of these four young boys to act decisively so that no other family in Kisumu County endures such unbearable grief,” Nyong’o said.
He further prayed for strength for the bereaved family, adding, “May the souls of the departed children rest in eternal peace, and may God grant Felix Otieno and his family the fortitude to endure this profound loss.”
