Machakos County has arrested six developers and property caretakers in Syokimau over the alleged illegal discharge of untreated sewage and wastewater.
The arrests followed an enforcement operation in Syokimau, Mavoko Constituency, on Tuesday, September 1.
Officials from the Machakos County Department of Lands and Housing led the operation.
The crackdown followed complaints about untreated wastewater being discharged from properties into open areas.
Authorities handed those arrested over for further legal action.
The county has also warned landlords, developers and property managers to comply with public health, environmental and planning regulations.
Why the crackdown matters
Machakos County says illegal sewage disposal poses health and environmental risks.
The county is also preparing for the expected heavy rains.
Officials say untreated wastewater could worsen sewage spillovers, flooding and environmental pollution during heavy rainfall.
The county has warned property owners to provide proper sewerage and drainage systems.
It says those who fail to comply could face legal action.
Syokimau faces a wider sanitation challenge
The arrests have also drawn attention to the area’s limited sewer infrastructure.
Syokimau has experienced rapid residential and commercial development in recent years.
However, sewer infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace.
Mavoko Water and Sanitation Company (MAVWASCO) says most parts of Syokimau and Mlolongo do not have an existing sewer network.
The utility estimates that sewerage covers about 15 per cent of the developed area within its service area.
MAVWASCO provides water and sanitation services across Mavoko Sub-County. Its service area includes Syokimau, Mlolongo, Athi River, Katani and Lukenya.
Sewer expansion planned
MAVWASCO has identified sewer expansion as part of its plans for the area.
The utility lists a proposed Mavoko Sewerage Improvement Project.
The project would extend sewer lines to Syokimau, Mlolongo, Athi River, Gimu and Lukenya.
MAVWASCO lists the project’s status as terms of reference for consultancy being forwarded to the African Development Fund for approval.
The proposed expansion could help address sanitation challenges as the population and number of developments continue to grow.
Enforcement raises bigger questions
The latest arrests put illegal wastewater disposal back in the spotlight.
But they also raise a wider infrastructure question.
How quickly can sewer services expand as new homes, apartments and businesses continue to emerge in Mavoko?
For residents, the issue goes beyond the arrests.
They need safe wastewater disposal, reliable sanitation services and protection from pollution.
For property owners, the crackdown is a warning to comply with existing regulations.
The six suspects now face the next stage of the legal process.
County Guardian will continue tracking the case and developments around sewerage expansion in Syokimau and the wider Mavoko area.
