Residents of Kanziko Ward in Kitui South Constituency have raised concerns over the proposed lime processing plant by Ndovu Rock Limited, alleging that the process leading to the project's introduction lacked transparency, adequate public participation, and meaningful community engagement as required under the Constitution of Kenya and environmental laws.
Speaking on behalf of the local community, Kanziko Ward Liaison Committee Vice Chairman Titus Kisangau claimed that many residents signed documents presented by individuals linked to the company without being fully informed that the signatures were connected to a proposed mining and lime processing project. According to the residents, some landowners believed discussions centered on agricultural activities, only to later learn that the project involved quarrying and lime processing.
The residents are now demanding answers from both Ndovu Rock Limited and the County Government of Kitui, arguing that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to participate in decisions affecting their land, environment, and livelihoods.
Citing Articles 10, 35, 42, 69, and 174 of the Constitution, the residents argue that public participation, transparency, accountability, access to information, and environmental protection are not optional but constitutional obligations. They also point to the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), which requires meaningful public participation during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process before projects likely to affect the environment can receive approval.
The community has presented eight key questions that they say must be answered before the project proceeds:
- Who authorized Ndovu Rock Limited to propose a lime processing plant in Kanziko Ward?
- Why were the Kanziko Ward Liaison Committee and the wider community not formally informed?
- When and where was the public participation conducted?
- When was public notice issued inviting residents to participate?
- Who approved any Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments on behalf of the community?
- Who officially represented the community during consultations?
- Who are the six individuals reported to have signed documents on behalf of the Kyanganga–Ekani community, and under what authority did they act?
- Who exactly is Ndovu Rock Limited, and what due diligence was undertaken by County Government officials before the project was introduced?
The residents maintain that these questions are fundamental to ensuring compliance with Kenya's constitutional principles of openness and public accountability. They insist that if public participation was conducted, records of attendance, notices, minutes, and reports should be made publicly available for verification.
They have further called upon the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Ministry of Mining, the County Government of Kitui, and all relevant regulatory agencies to disclose the status of the proposed project and ensure that every legal requirement has been met before any licence or approval is granted.
The residents emphasize that they are not opposed to development or investment. Instead, they say they support projects that are implemented lawfully, transparently, and with the informed consent of affected communities. They argue that genuine public participation must involve timely notice, access to accurate project information, open consultation, and consideration of community views before decisions are made.
As concerns continue to grow, the people of Kanziko Ward are urging the relevant authorities and Ndovu Rock Limited to respond publicly to the issues raised, disclose all documentation relating to the proposed project, and ensure that any future decisions fully comply with the Constitution and the law. The community says accountability, transparency, and respect for public participation must remain at the centre of any development initiative affecting their land and livelihoods.
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