NEMA Halts Operations at Tarita Farmers Company Linked to EPRA Boss Amid Community Uproar
Assistant County Commissioner Jaleta confirmed that the company has not obtained NEMA licenses for the contested projects.
Mr. Daniel Kiptoo , MBS, OGW – Director General, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) | Image: Courtesy of EPRA
The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has ordered Tarita Farmers Company Limited, associated with Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, to immediately suspend all operations in Kuinet, Uasin Gishu County.
The suspension affects multiple projects on Kiptoo’s prime 40-acre parcel along the Eldoret–Ziwa road in Soy Sub-county, including an operational large-scale water storage facility, ongoing greenhouse developments for commercial horticulture, and the construction of a petrol station.
In a letter signed by County Director of Environment Solomo Kihiu, NEMA directed the company to “stop further construction of greenhouses, the petrol station, water pans, and godowns” and submit a detailed report on all activities for review.
The order follows complaints from the Kapkuis/Kamaura Residents Association, whose members live adjacent to the farm. They allege the projects pose serious environmental and safety risks and were initiated without public participation.
“We are calling for the immediate suspension of all activities until a full environmental impact assessment is conducted by licensed experts,”
said association secretary Simon Kipkogei Kimutai during a tense community meeting attended by Soy Sub-county Assistant County Commissioner Linada Jaleta.
Residents cited fears over chemical contamination from pesticides and fertilizers, inadequate fire safety measures, increased road accidents from fuel deliveries, and waste management issues from discarded plastics.
“These projects are a threat to human life, vegetation, and livestock. We will not compromise our safety,”
Kimutai insisted.
Assistant County Commissioner Jaleta confirmed that the company has not obtained NEMA licenses for the contested projects.
“I expected Mr. Kiptoo to be here today to listen to his neighbors’ concerns. Instead of treating them as adversaries, I urge him to build goodwill and address these issues in good faith,”
she said.
Jaleta warned the company against defying the government’s directive, noting that a multi-agency audit by NEMA, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and the Water Resources Authority will determine whether the projects can proceed.
“If you see any activity resuming at that farm, alert us immediately. We will take swift action against those found violating the suspension,”
she told residents.
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