Kagoto residents and workers are protesting the closure of the Kagoto quarry, which has been a vital source of employment and sustenance for the community.
The abrupt closure of the operations has left the community in distress and with no clear indication of when, or if, the quarry will reopen.
James Mutisya, Operations Manager at the quarry, reported receiving a directive from Kiugu OCS to cease all operations immediately. He noted that while an order was issued to close all quarries in Nakuru, only the two quarries in Kagoto have been forcibly shut down.
“I received the letter from Kiugu OCS David, who said it came from the authorities. He was unaware of the specific reasons for this immediate halt in operations,” Mutisya stated. “The quarry employs over 200 people, not counting the casual laborers who load the lorries and the ‘Mama Mbogas’ who sell food and snacks. Only four of our operators are currently working to complete the existing stock.”
The sudden closure has sparked outrage among the workers. Samuel Kariuki, a long-time employee, expressed his frustration: “This closure was abrupt, with no prior notice or clear reason. The quarry has been operating since 1934 without any such interruptions. We’ve heard claims that the closure is due to the rains, but our quarry poses no threat as we use explosives to break down the rocks for mining.”
Kariuki called on the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to reconsider their decision, highlighting the significant impact on the community’s livelihood. He emphasized that only the Kagoto quarries have been closed, despite the broader order.
Danson Mirungu, a young worker, voiced his concerns: “We are devastated by NEMA’s actions. We rely on this job for our daily bread. Many of us have debts with the ‘Mama Mbogas’ who provide us food. We desperately need this decision to be reviewed. Finding other work is nearly impossible for us given our lack of experience in other fields.”
Mirungu also warned of potential social issues: “Some of us might be driven to steal just to survive. Our source of income must be restored.”
Martha Nyambura, a Mama Mboga who sells food around the quarry, shared her distress: “I sell fruits at the quarry and am deeply disappointed by its closure. This is how I provide for my children. Now, I can’t pay their school fees or feed them.”
David Kamotho, a lorry driver, echoed these sentiments: “Our lorries are financed through loans that need to be repaid. Without our jobs, we don’t know how we’ll manage to pay our debts or feed our families.”
Despite their pleas, the county NEMA director has dismissed their requests, stating that the order came from higher authorities. As the residents continue to push for their voices to be heard, they remain in a state of unrest, worried about their families’ future and their survival.
The closure has affected more than just the workers directly involved in the quarry operations. The Mama Mbogas, who sell food and snacks to the workers, are unable to sustain their livelihoods without the daily influx of customers. The truck drivers who transport materials from the quarry are now out of work, unable to meet their financial obligations.
The community calls on NEMA to reconsider the closure, emphasizing that the quarry has been a cornerstone of their economic stability for decades.
As the situation remains unresolved, the people of Kagoto are left in a precarious position, hoping for a swift resolution that will allow them to return to their normal lives and their primary source of livelihood.
By Frankline Mugambi
Laikipia University.
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