The National Environment Management Authority has issued a public alert following a chemical spill in the Kipkarren Bindura Kesses river system after a lorry carrying an unknown coloured substance overturned in the Matharu area of Timboroa Location, Uasin Gishu County.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, November 21, 2025, has raised environmental and public safety concerns across communities that rely on the river.

In a statement, NEMA said a multi-agency team from the county moved swiftly to assess the situation and secure the affected zone. According to the agency, the team cordoned off the area and collected samples for laboratory examination.

“A multi-agency team from the County has already visited the site, cordoned the area and taken samples for analysis at the Government Chemist,” NEMA stated.

The authority added that the lorry was travelling to a neighbouring country and that the Material Safety Data Sheet is already in their possession to guide the ongoing response.

NEMA said emergency response personnel acted promptly to stop the spill from flowing further downstream. The agency explained that temporary barriers were put in place to redirect the contaminated mixture away from the river.

“Additional precautionary measures have been taken to divert the chemicals away from the river to prevent any further downstream pollution,” the statement read.

Public Notice @Environment_Ke @EnviClimateC_Ke @NationAfrica @StandardKenya @TheStarKenya @PeopleDailyKe @tv47digital @citizentvkenya @ntvkenya @KTNNewsKE @K24Tv @KBCChannel1 pic.twitter.com/LEwl9GDalH

— NEMA Kenya (@NemaKenya) November 21, 2025

The overturned lorry was later removed and taken to Burnt Forest Police Station to allow for continued investigation. NEMA confirmed that physical containment efforts were also established at the scene.

“Trenches dug around the area and the mixture denatured to prevent any contamination,” the agency said, emphasising that this step was critical in limiting environmental harm.

As a protective measure, NEMA has temporarily shut several water supply systems.

“So far, we have cordoned off Nabkoi water treatment plant, Kesses water treatment and Moi University water supply out of an abundance of caution,” the agency noted.

It urged the public to avoid using water from the affected river system for any purpose until laboratory results are released.

“Members of the public are advised not to use water from the affected river for drinking and other domestic purposes, either by humans or animals, until analysis of the collected samples is complete,” NEMA warned.

The authority further appealed to residents to stay alert and report any unusual environmental activity.

“Members of the public are requested to report to NEMA any cases of colouring in water, wilting of plants, foaming of water and any other observation out of character,” the statement added.

NEMA thanked the public and the emergency teams for their cooperation throughout the response operation.

“We appreciate the cooperation shown by the members of the public and the multi-agency team,” the agency said, noting that additional updates will be issued once the analysis from the Government Chemist is complete.