Major Water Disruption in Uasin Gishu After Chemical Spill

ELDORET, KENYA – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued an urgent public safety alert and shut down several key water treatment plants in Uasin Gishu County after a lorry transporting natural rubber latex overturned, spilling its cargo into a vital river system. The incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, 20th November 2025, in the Matharu area of Timboroa, Tarakwa Ward.

The transit lorry, reportedly destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), crashed and released the white, milky substance which then seeped into the Kipkarren-Bindura-Kesses river system. This river is a primary source for the Kesses Dam, a critical water reservoir for the region. In a statement released on Friday, 21st November 2025, NEMA advised all residents downstream to immediately cease using the river water for drinking, domestic chores, or for livestock until further notice.

Emergency Response and Precautionary Shutdowns

A multi-agency team comprising officials from NEMA, the Uasin Gishu County Government, and the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) was dispatched to the scene to manage the situation. As a primary precautionary measure, NEMA ordered the immediate shutdown of the Nabkoi water treatment plant, the Kesses water treatment plant, and the main water supply to Moi University to prevent contaminated water from reaching households. ELDOWAS confirmed in a separate statement that it had halted operations at the Kesses plant, which it manages.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii confirmed the substance was identified as natural rubber latex in its primary form. He stated that county machinery had been mobilized to dig containment trenches to prevent the further spread of the substance into the river. NEMA reported that its emergency response team had also established physical containment barriers and denatured the mixture to limit environmental harm. Samples of the contaminated water and the substance have been collected and sent to the Government Chemist for detailed analysis to determine the exact composition and potential toxicity. The lorry has since been removed from the accident scene and is being held at the Burnt Forest Police Station pending a full investigation.

Potential Environmental and Health Impacts

While described as "natural," rubber latex can pose environmental risks. According to various Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), natural rubber latex concentrate can cause serious eye and skin irritation and may cause allergic skin reactions. Furthermore, depending on the preservatives and stabilizing agents used, such as ammonia, it can be harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. NEMA has confirmed it is in possession of the specific MSDS for the spilled cargo, which is guiding the ongoing response.

The shutdown of the water treatment plants affects a significant population in the region, including residents of Burnt Forest, Kesses, and the extensive Moi University community. The long-term impact on local agriculture and livestock, which depend on the river system, remains a primary concern for residents and local leaders. NEMA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual signs such as water discoloration, foaming, or wilting of plants along the river banks.

Broader Context of Transit Cargo Spills

This incident highlights the environmental risks associated with the transportation of industrial materials through Kenya's key transit corridors. The route is vital for trade with landlocked neighbouring countries like the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. The spill in Uasin Gishu serves as a critical test of Kenya's emergency response capabilities for hazardous material incidents. It also brings into focus the enforcement of transport and environmental regulations governing such cargo. The full environmental and economic impact will become clearer once the laboratory results are released and the extent of the contamination is fully mapped. Authorities have not yet released details on the ownership of the truck or the company responsible for the consignment. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.