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Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Project Report for the proposed Kavingo Mkt, Wambuli Sec/Disp, Miu BH/Mkt, St Patricks Polytechnic, Kako Mkt/Sec, Kyadulyu Pri and Kyaume Public Disclosure Authorized Sec School (Makueni Constituency) 33 kV power distribution line Report prepared and submitted by Repcon associates The Repcon Center Sigona 410 off KEFRI/KARI Rd-Muguga P.O. Box 79605-00200, Nairobi Telefax: 254-20-2248119; Mobile- 0721-274358/0736499399 Public Disclosure Authorized E-mail:[email protected] April 2013 i The Rural Electrification Authority: Project Report for the proposed Kavingo Mkt, Wambuli Sec/Disp, Miu BH/Mkt, St Patricks Polytechnic, Kako Mkt/Sec, Kyadulyu Pri and Kyaume Sec School (Makueni Constituency) 33 kV power distribution line DISCLOSURE PAGE This Project Report is hereby disclosed for public review as follows:- Proponent: The Rural Electrification Authority-REA Assignment: Project Report for the proposed Kavingo Mkt, Wambuli Sec/Disp, Miu BH/Mkt, St Patricks Polytechnic, Kako Mkt/Sec, Kyadulyu Pri and Kyaume Sec School (Makueni Constituency) 33 kV power distribution line Firm of Experts: Repcon Associates- NEMA Registration No. 0002, Contact address: The Repcon Center, Sigona 410, off KEFRI/KARI Rd Muguga, P.O. Box 79605-00200, Nairobi. Telefax: 254-20-2248119; Mobile- 0721-274358/0736499399 E-mail:[email protected] Signed: ...................................... Date .................... Michael M. Wairagu Lead Expert (0177)/ Team Leader Proponent: The Rural Electrification Authority-REA Contact address: The Chancery, 6 th Flr, Valley Rd; P.O. Box 34585-00100, Nairobi; Telephone: +254-20-4953000; Fascimile: +254-20-2710944; Email: [email protected] Attention of: Mr. Zackary O. Ayieko - CEO Signed .......................................... Date .................................. ii |Repcon associates The Rural Electrification Authority: Project Report for the proposed Kavingo Mkt, Wambuli Sec/Disp, Miu BH/Mkt, St Patricks Polytechnic, Kako Mkt/Sec, Kyadulyu Pri and Kyaume Sec School (Makueni Constituency) 33 kV power distribution line EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A. Introduction: The subject of this Project Report is the proposed Kako Dispensary 33 kV power distribution line Project. The project will entail construction of a 29.7 kilometre long power distribution line starting from the Kavingoni Market in Makueni Constituency and is being developed by the Rural Electrification Authority- REA on behalf of the Kenya Government. This Project Report was commissioned by REA in compliance with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999 and it’s Legal Notice No. 101 of June 2003. B. Scope of the Project Report: The main objective of this Project Report is identify environmental and social impacts associated with development and operation of the proposed power distribution line and recommend appropriate mitigation measures for integration in all phases of project development. Framework and depth of the Project Report has been dictated by requirements of EMCA 1999 and Legal Notice 101 of June 2003 which has defined parameters for conduct of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment studies in Kenya. Regulation 7(1) of Legal Notice 101 of EMCA dictates the following basic content of Project Reports:- a) The nature of the project; b) The Division of the project including the physical area that may be affected by the project’s activities; c) The activities that shall be undertaken during the project construction, operation and decommissioning phases; d) The design of the project; e) The materials to be used, products, by-products, including waste to be generated by the project and the methods of disposal; f) The potential environmental impacts of the project and the mitigation measures to be taken during and after implementation; g) An action plan for the prevention and management of possible accidents during the project cycle; h) A plan to ensure the health and safety of the workers and neighboring communities; i) The economic and socio-cultural impacts to the local community and the nation in general; j) The project budget; k) Any other information that the Authority may require C: Study Methodology pursued The systematic investigative and reporting methodology specified for conduct Project Reports by Legal Notice 101 of EMCA was adopted in this Study. Baseline data on project design was generated through discussion with the client and review of project documentation. Opinions formed were revalidated through field work entailing site investigations and interviews with potentially affected people and secondary stakeholders. To identify, predict, analyze and evaluate potential impacts that may emanate from the project, diverse study methods and tools including use of checklists, matrices, expert opinions and observations were employed. An Environmental and Social Management Plan comprising an impact mitigation plan and iii |Repcon associates The Rural Electrification Authority: Project Report for the proposed Kavingo Mkt, Wambuli Sec/Disp, Miu BH/Mkt, St Patricks Polytechnic, Kako Mkt/Sec, Kyadulyu Pri and Kyaume Sec School (Makueni Constituency) 33 kV power distribution line modalities for monitoring and evaluation were then developed to guide environmental management during all phases of project development. D: The Project Report Team This Project Report study was undertaken by a team of 2 consultants namely:- • Mr. Michael M. Wairagu-EIA Lead Expert • Ms. Nancy Kanyi-Sociologist E: Policy, legal and regulatory framework: This Project Report has been developed to ensure that the proposed development of power distribution lines is in conformity with national policy aspirations towards securing sustainable development. Specifically, this report has been developed to ensure compliance with requirements of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999-Kenya’s supreme environmental law, the National Constitution and World Bank’s safeguard requirements. Section 58 of EMCA requires that all development proposed in Kenya to be subjected to environmental assessment to be conducted in line with the Second Schedule and The Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003. As well, Op 4.01 of the World Bank demands environmental assessment for Category A and B hence occasioning the need for the study report disclosed here-in. F. Project description: The Proponent in respect of the proposed Kako Dispensary power distribution line project is the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) - a State Corporation established under Section 66 of the Energy Act No 12 of 2006 for purposes of accelerating the pace of rural electrification in Kenya. Development of the Kako Dispensary power distribution line will be financed under auspices of the KEEP (REA component) whose overall aim is to increase access to electricity in rural areas and is justifiable in that it will electrify rural villages and institutions and thus unlock the opportunities associated with cost effective access to convertible energy sources. The project will entail development of 29.7 kilometers of Three Phase power distribution line at a cost of Ksh 9,848,243.33. The 33 kV voltage power will be stepped down to 0.433 kV via 10 different located transformers and distributed through new low voltage distribution networks to consumers. G: The proposed route of traverse The proposed traverse is situated on footslopes / upper level uplands to the west of the Mbooni hill- masses at general altitude of about 1200 m above sea level. The project area is dissected by diverse streams which drain in a predominantly SE direction to join the Thwake tributary of the Athi River. Local soils were developed on colluvium eroded from the Precambrian basement system rocks of the hill masses and are well drained of varying depth with very thin or no top horizon on account of erosion. The Kavingoni to Kako transect has a transitional semi humid climate characterized by long-term annual rainfall averaging 738 mm delivered in 2 distinct wet seasons lasting from March to April and November to December and separated by a prolonged dry season lasting from June to September. Livelihoods within the traverse are largely dependent on subsistence mixed agriculture in which crop farming is combined with keeping of local animals while others rely on trade. On account of aridity, crop farming is a risky business and the location concessionary relies on food relief. By 2003, the Kako iv |Repcon associates The Rural Electrification Authority: Project Report for the proposed Kavingo Mkt, Wambuli Sec/Disp, Miu BH/Mkt, St Patricks Polytechnic, Kako Mkt/Sec, Kyadulyu Pri and Kyaume Sec School (Makueni Constituency) 33 kV power distribution line Location had a high poverty incidence of 71% which is attributable to the limitations to life posed by aridity and lack of alternative means to livelihood. The marginally sub humid climate originally supported a semi-deciduous forest dominated by Erythryina spp, Croton macrostachys, Croton megalocarpus, Terminalia spp, Acacia tortilis, Mekia volkenii , among others remnants of which are still encountered in the area. However, on account of human incursion, the original vegetation has been removed in total to pave way for agricultural settlements and provide wood for building, firewood, charcoal making etc in which case; the original vegetation has been removed and replaced leaving behind land that is highly prone to agents of soil erosion. As a result, soil erosion is a major concern in this District. The Kako