Cancer cases: MPs launch probe into toxic waste dumping
By Mercy Mwai, June 25, 2025Lawmakers are investigating the dumping of toxic nuclear materials in northeastern counties following revelations that 2,417 people have tested positive for cancer.
The Environment, Forestry and Mining Committee will focus on Wajir, Garissa and Marsabit counties after Garissa Governor Nathif Jama testified about rising cancer rates over the past three years.
Appearing before the committee, Jama attributed the increase to foreign companies dumping waste since the 1980s and 1990s. He reported that throat cancer cases have surged: 440 in 2023, 1,347 in 2024, and 640 by June this year.
Most cases are treated at Garissa Regional Cancer Centre, which serves the northeastern region, including Tana River, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, Embu and parts of Somalia.
“The increasing number of cancer cases in the region is indeed disturbing, with the most common cases being throat or oesophagus cancer,” Jama said.
“It could be related to the toxic and nuclear waste that was dumped there, given that the toxic waste contaminates the groundwater water which is later consumed by our people and their animals.”
He explained that people are testing positive after consuming contaminated water and eating meat from animals that also consumed contaminated resources.
Wajir South MP Adow Mohammed, who raised the matter, said interviews with local communities revealed dumping incidents.
He disclosed that casual labourers employed by foreign companies conducted the dumping, providing empirical evidence of the practice.
“While the direct link between these health issues and the dumped waste is yet to be fully established, preliminary assessments strongly indicate a correlation,” Mohammed said.
Committee chairman Vincent Musyoka announced they will invite affected persons, principal secretaries from the Interior and Environment ministries, and the National Intelligence Service to testify.
The probe will be multisectoral given the national security implications.
Jirongo to be summoned
The committee will also summon former presidential candidate Cyrus Jirongo, who revealed that former President Daniel Moi’s regime permitted toxic waste dumping in northeastern Kenya.
Jirongo obtained classified documents from Jimmy Choge, lawyer to the late Nicholas Biwott, allegedly containing confidential information about the dumping locations and details.
“Nuclear waste is not a simple matter; nuclear waste is a security matter,” Musyoka said.
Committee vice-chairman Charles Kamuren questioned why the government plans a Ksh500 billion nuclear plant while Kenyans suffer from existing contamination. He praised Jirongo for speaking out.