SUMMARY PROJECT REPORT FOR

THE PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON PLOT NO.

LOC.11/MARAGI/10067 FOR GRACE WAITHIRA MWANGI,

MURANG’A COUNTY

GPS Coordinates:
S 0°43' 18"S
E 37°08' 33"

APRIL 2024

PROPONENT: PREPARED BY:

GRACE WAITHIRA MWANGI ANTHONY NJOGU,
P.O BOX LEAD EXPERT REG NUMBER 1376,
TELEPHONE: 0723629316 P.O.BOX 2493-60100 EMBU
TEL; 0713006013, 0786673665
EMAIL ; etom20053@gmail.com

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ACRONYMS

EA Environment Audit
EIA Environment Impact Assessment
EMCA Environmental Management Coordination Act 1999
EMP Environmental Management Plan

KIRIWASCO Kirinyaga Water and Sanitation Company

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GMT Greenwich Meridian Time

KPC Kenya Power Company

LR.NO Land Registration Number

NCA National Construction Authority

NEMA National Environment Management Authority
OSHA Occupation Safety and Health Act 2007
PPE Personal Protection Equipment
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
TOR Terms Of Reference
VAT Value Added Tax
WSSD World Summit for Sustainable Development

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The proponent, GRACE WAITHIRA MWANGI intends to put up a residential house at LOC.11/MARAGI/10067.
Both architectural and structural drawings of the development have been approved and have been annexed to this
SPR.

The project is located on Plot No. LOC.11/MARAGI/10067 KIHARU Sub County in Murang’a County.

The area has good supply of electricity by Kenya power and also adequate water supply by MUWASCO. The expected
project outcome is expected to provide a residential building in one of the fastest growing area of Murang’a. The
Kenyan Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy advocate for increase of living standards for the
general Kenyan population. Among the indicators of this goal is the improved residential building. The proposed
project therefore is in line with these and other goals. The proponent wishes to achieve their dreams through the
execution of this project.

Scope of the project

The scope of the assessment study covered the physical extent of the project’s site and its immediate environs, the
project nature (designs and implementation). Evaluation of impacts and mitigation plans for the potential negative
impacts.

Project objectives and activities

The project aims at establishing a residential building, at Loc.11/Maragi/10067, measuring 0.05 Ha by the proponent.

The construction works entail, the excavation of foundations, mason works, drainage, electrical works, steel works,
interior décor and landscaping works.

Terms of reference (TOR)

The terms of reference were but not limited to:

1. Evaluation of the project nature and activities

2. Evaluation of impacts

3. Environment management plan and mitigations for negative impacts

4. Baseline data
Impacts of the

project Positive

impacts

1. Better and decent residential building and other facilities to the proponent.

2. Development and appreciation of land use patterns and aesthetic value of the area.

3. Creation of Employment during project implementation

4. Source of revenue for government and community

Negative impacts

1. Occupation safety and health for workers

2. Air pollution

3. Land degradation

4. Soil erosion

5. Solid and liquid waste

6. Noise during construction

Conclusion

The SPR conducting team and the authors conclude that the proposed project will not in any way compromise the
environment enjoyed by the residents, adjacent societies or any other entity as may arise if the EMP and the
recommendations of team of experts are implemented fully. It is therefore under such conditions and more
aforementioned that the EIA team recommends the proponent be granted approval and license to proceed with the
development.

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CHAPTER 1: PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Project location

The proposed project is located in Kiharu Village, near St. Mary Catholic Church (Cathedral). The proponent owns
the piece of land under lease agreement the land is registered under the name of Grace Waithira Mwangi and to
which the project is to be undertaken on Land Title Number Loc.11/Maragi/10067 measuring approximately 0.05
Ha.
On GPS readings 0°43' 18"S and 37°08' 33" E

Project cost
The project will cost approximately Kshs. 10,000,000 when complete.

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Project description

The project will entail 9 bedsitters (see attached building plans for details) Project designs and materials

The proposed project is designed to be a residential building. The designs have been studied by the client and
contractor and have been approved by the Murang’a County Government.

The materials to be used in the proposed developments will entail sand, cement, ballast, quarry stones, steel
reinforcement, aluminum strips, roofing sheets, timber for sawn formworks, walls, glasses, tiles and hardcore stones.

Project activities

The project shall be implemented in 3 phases: preconstruction, construction and operation stage and in each, various
activities shall be undertaken.

At the design stage, designs, and approvals will have to be carried out, including the EIA process that will establish the
management plan for any potential impact.

After planning completion, construction activities will begin. The activities shall involve civil and engineering works as
here on:

a) Site clearance and preparation

b) Normal excavation of soil and filling with hardcore

c) Laying of foundation slab and walling

d) Plastering and painting

e) Landscaping

f) Storm water and drainage construction

g) Laying of the pavement blocks

h) Installation of electrical works

i) Government inspection/occupation certificate and completion of works issued.

j) Landscaping and beautification

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Chapter 2: BASELINE CONDITIONS

Description and assessment of the location of the land, the land use characteristics, including the planned use of the
land and description of the existing land use and their patterns within the boundary of the Project area and project
characteristic.

Baseline survey is important to give an overall evaluation of the existing environmental conditions, including a historical
meteorological evaluation to include but not be limited to characteristics and analysis, values and functions of the
area, as follows:

-economic and cultural constraints

The site visit was conducted on 27th of March 2024. The following information obtained:

Site setting

The proposed project site is located in St. Mary village, which lies between the South slopes of Abardare. Its
environs have a bimodal rainfall pattern with the short rains during months of October to November and longs rains
in March to May. The area has a rainfall average of 1050mm annually with over 65% reliability at 100mm. The
average temperatures yearly are 24 degrees Celsius with hottest months between January and March.

Physical landscape

The proposed project site is on a gently sloping parcel of land, along St. Mary Junction-Murang’a University
road. The surrounding area is mainly agricultural, commercial, educational and public purpose.

Accessibility

The proposed project site is accessible as it is situated along Murang’a-Kangema highway.

Soil type

The soils are classified as fertile volcanic soils. 77 R-h according to Farm management handbook Kenya. These
soils are well drained, black cotton, and very suitable or the proposed development.

Historical and current land uses

The area was once a forest consisting of indigenous species of plants and shrubs until encroachment. The project site
is now within an agricultural area. There exists a few indigenous tree species and shrubs to which conservation will
be addressed in the EMP.

Flooding and drainage

There is no flooding that occurs or can occur since the slope gradient is proper for gravitational flow.

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Electricity

The project site will be supplied with electricity by the Kenya Power Company (KPC). Electricity connectivity is
available in the area.

Water supply

The project site will be supplied with water by MUWASO, whose water connectivity exists in the area.

Waste management

Liquid waste will be disposed of in a septic tank and soak pit. Solid waste will be managed within the property by the
proponent.

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CHAPTER 3: IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

Introduction

The proposed development sustainability shall be met if compliance with regulatory frameworks and EMCA
guidelines is given priority. The phases of the proposed developments need to ensure that any positive and
negative social, economic and or environment impacts arising are analyzed and mitigation measures adhered to.

During the study, a number of potential impacts were investigated and were rated numerically using numbers
indicated below. Positive impacts were noted with (+) and the negative (-).
Rating Description
-2 High impact (significant)
-1 Moderate impact (less impact)
0 No impact
+1 Positive impact
+2 Highly positive

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High impacts will be considered significant; medium impacts less significant but high positive shall be enhanced where
possible.

Potential positive impacts

1. Creation of employment across all project phase

2. Improved income and business growth for the material sources

3. Source of income for proponent, county governments and other service providers.

4. Improved landscape and land use.

Potential negative impacts

1. Safety of workers and visitors

Excavation works shall be undertaken during the construction phase. This may entail foundation excavations,
septic tank and soak pits.

Mitigation measures

1. Contractor should ensure stable formworks and scaffolding to support structures.

2. Providing hoarding to prevent materials from falling on passer-by, or visitors.

3. Provide signage and warnings

4. Fence off the construction site to prevent intrudes

5. Regular inspection and machine servicing to ensure conformity with standards.

6. All workers be issues with PPEs

2. Air Quality

The construction activities on the site will result to increased dust and gas emissions. Dust particles caused by vibrations
of machines and vehicle movement suspends in the air mostly during dry spells.

Mitigation measures

Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) such as nose masks to the affected workers on site during
construction phase.

Regular and prompt maintenance of construction machinery and equipment. This will minimize generation of
noxious gases and other suspended particulate matter.

3. Soil Erosion

Soil movement is common in construction projects. This mostly happens during the laying of foundations (earthworks)
for the projects and site clearing. Most top loose material is excavated and transported elsewhere. Comprehensive
soil erosion measures are thus important during the construction and operation phases.

Mitigation measures

 Provision of soil conservation structures on erosion prone areas to control occurrence of soil
movement.
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 

 on loose soil

4. Solid waste

Huge quantities of solid wastes are normally generated from construction activities. Such wastes include stones, wood,
broken glasses, containers, rods of metal, pieces of iron sheets etc. There is need for proper management (proper
disposal) of the solid wastes expected from the site during construction phase.

Mitigation measures

 The contractor or proponent should work hand in hand with private refuse handlers, NEMA and the
County Government to facilitate sound waste handling and disposal from site.

 licensed waste handlers.


materials i.e. some demolished and excavated materials can be used as backfills.

5. Public disturbance

Construction disturbances result from noise, lighting etc. Such disturbances result to stress and other body
reactions. There may occur such disturbances, which are likely to cause stress and other similar effects mostly
during project implementation processes due to continued vibrations and noise generation.

Mitigation measures

 Construction activities should be done only during the day.

 Erect billboards on the start of the project to psychologically prepare the people in the vicinity.

 The signs should indicate and inform the public when works starts and when it will be completed.

6. Increased Water Demand

Water is a universal resource and whose demand in the urban areas is high. The increase in demand for water will occur
during the construction phase since some of the activities will require use of large quantities of water.

Mitigation measures

 Encourage water reuse/recycling mostly during construction phase.

 Roof catchments of the building structures should be provided with rainwater harvesting systems (gutters,
down pipes and water storage facilities) to enhance collection and storage of the run-off. Such water can be
used in watering flower gardens, cleaning etc.

 Provide notices and information signs i.e. ‘keep/leave the tap closed’, etc. This will awaken the civic
consciousness with regard to water usage and management

 Install water-conserving taps that turn-off automatically when water is not in use.

Impacts during operation stage

Potential impacts during the operational phase of the building are;

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 1. Waste generation

The Occupants will generate solid wastes (i.e. rubbings, cans, remnants, organic wastes, packages etc.) and sewage
effluents. These are potential pollutants are can be rated highly significant.

Mitigation measures

 Ensure the compound is kept clean from litter, or any other form of solids that may also clog drainage on
wash off.

 Provision of litterbins

 Encourage segregation of wastes before collection (T3R strategy)

 Regular disposal of solid wastes

 Regular maintenance and assessment of the septic system.

2. Security

Security of the site and those working and living within is of utmost significance. The visitors within the facility must be
assured of their security at all times. This should be important even at the construction phase.

Mitigation measures

• Strategic installation of lighting

• Employ guards or erect a fence system within the premises for security of occupants.

Impacts during decommissioning stage

Decommissioning is an important phase in the project cycle and comes last to wind up the operational activities of a
particular project. It refers to the final disposal of the project and associated materials at the expiry of the project
lifespan. If such a stage is reached, the proponent needs to remove all materials resulting from the demolition/
decommissioning from the site.

The following should be undertaken to restore the environment:

 Remove all underground facilities from the site

 The site should be well landscaped by flattening the mounds of soil and

 Planting indigenous trees and flowers

 All the equipment should be removed from the site

 Fence and signpost unsafe areas until natural stabilization occurs

 Backfill surface openings if practical

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ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The table below gives a summary of the environmental health and safety impacts that the project has on the proposed
site and the possible mitigation measures monitoring actions required ensuring minimal damage of the environment.

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Conclusion and recommendations

The proposed project design has integrated mitigation measures with a view to ensuring compliance with all the
applicable laws and procedures. The proposed project will be implemented after approvals by among others, the
County Government of Murang’a, Physical Planning Department and NEMA.

It is thus our recommendation that the project be allowed to go ahead with the implementation provided the
outlined mitigation measures are adhered to. Major concerns should nevertheless be focused towards minimizing the
occurrence of impacts that would degrade the general environment.

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 REFERENCES
1. EMCA (1999), Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations 2003.
2. Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations 2006.
3. Farm Management Hand Book (Central Kenya volume II)
4. Occupation Safety and Health Act 2007.
5. Various Multilateral and International Agreements on Environment.
6. Public Health Act (Cap 242).
7. Water Act 2002.
8. Proponent documents

ANNEXES
Annex 1: Pictorial Gallery
Annex 2: Minutes of consultative public participation meeting
Annex 3: Copies of documents of ownership
Annex 4: Copy of Lead Expert’s Practicing Certificate
Annex 5: Copy of approved building plans

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