PRINCIPLES OF INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT
BSc. COMPUTER SCIENCE
Group A9
1. JEDDY AWUOR – SCT211-0027/2022
2. JOYJANE GITHINJI – SCT211-0024/2022
3. CHRISTINE NYAGA – SCT211-0572/2022
4. COLLINS MUTUGI – SCT211-0051/2022
5. NIXON GITONGA – SCT211-0698/2022
6. NATASHA WANGUI – SCT211-0057/2022
Discuss with example the role of Environmental Assessment in relation to location of an industry and
industrial management, make references to NEMA:
Environmental Assessment
Environmental Assessment refers to the process of evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a
proposed project. Termed as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by NEMA, it involves the critical
examination of a project's effects on the environment. The overarching goal is to ensure that decisions
regarding proposed projects and activities align with environmental sustainability principles.
In the context of our discussion, we will explore the role of EA in both the location of industries and the
management of industrial activities. NEMA, or the National Environment Management Authority, plays a
crucial role by providing a comprehensive framework for environmental management, including the EA
process and is mandated by the Environmental Management and Coordination Act EMCA) no 8 of 1999
to administer the EIA .This framework is instrumental in setting standards and guidelines that shape how
assessments are conducted, ensuring a systematic and thorough evaluation of potential environmental
impacts during industrial activities.
Location of Industry:
Site Selection: Environmental assessments assist in pinpointing suitable locations for industrial activities
by evaluating the environmental sensitivity of potential sites. This involves considering factors such as
biodiversity, water resources, and proximity to human settlements. Essentially, this process gauges an
environment's ability to endure changes without experiencing substantial harm or losing its ecological
functions as a result of industrial development.
Example : A liquid petroleum plant was given license to operate in one of Nairobi's most crowded
residential neighborhoods, where its explosion led to deaths. The nature of the location wasn’t suitable
and didn’t comply with NEMA environmental compliance.
Zoning and Land Use: Zoning involves the establishment of rules for different areas of land, determining
what can be built or done in each zone. Land use, on the other hand, is the actual purpose or activity for
which a specific piece of land is designated. The aim is to make informed decisions that promote
sustainable development and minimize negative impacts on the environment.
EA helps establish buffer zones between industrial and residential/commercial areas to minimize
potential conflicts and mixed use zoning to foster sustainable urban development
Example: City are divided into zones such as residential, commercial and industrial. For land use one
may be operate a small grocery store or school within a residential area but not a school or a residential
area within an industrial area as it may pose health risks to residents due to air and water pollution,
breaching the EIA compliance.
Public participation and decision making: EA involves the community in the decision-making process,
allowing residents to voice concerns and preferences. This is done through NEMA via social impact
assessment under the EA. This considers the social implications of industrial projects, ensuring that
community well-being is factored into location decisions.
Example: NEMA may require a social impact assessment for a proposed industrial zone, taking into
account factors like employment opportunities and community health.
Compliance Monitoring: NEMA conducts environmental audits to assess industries’ compliance with
environmental regulations. These audits identify non-compliance risks, and areas for improvement
Example: A textile factory undergoes regular environmental audits to ensure it adheres to emission
limits, waste disposal guidelines, and worker safety standards.
INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT
EA is a tool which seeks to minimize adverse impacts on the environment and reduces risks, hazards and
vulnerabilities at all stages of the project: planning, design, construction, operation and
decommissioning.
1. Preventing Environmental Degradation: EA helps in preventing environmental degradation
caused by industrial activities. Before initiating any new industrial project, developers are
required to conduct EIAs to assess potential environmental impacts.
For example, if a manufacturing plant is proposed, the EIA would evaluate the potential
emissions, waste generation, and resource use associated with the plant's operations. By
identifying potential environmental risks upfront, NEMA ensures that industrial activities do not
cause irreparable harm to the environment.
2. Promoting Sustainable Development: Through the EIA process, NEMA encourages the adoption
of sustainable practices in industrial management. EIAs assess not only the negative impacts but
also identify opportunities for environmental enhancement and sustainability.
For instance, a proposed agro-processing plant might include measures in its EIA to promote
sustainable agriculture practices among local farmers, thereby contributing to both
environmental conservation and economic development.
3. Ensuring Compliance with Environmental Regulations: NEMA ensures that industrial activities
comply with environmental regulations through the EIA process. Industrial projects that are
likely to have significant environmental impacts are required to obtain an Environmental Impact
Assessment License from NEMA before commencing operations. This license is only granted if
the project meets all environmental requirements outlined in the EIA report.
For example, a large-scale mining operation must obtain an EIA license from NEMA,
demonstrating compliance with regulations regarding land use, water management, and
rehabilitation of mined areas.
4. Facilitating Pollution Control and Waste Management: EIAs conducted under NEMA's
regulations help in identifying pollution sources and developing strategies for pollution control
and waste management.
For instance, before establishing a chemical manufacturing facility, the EIA would assess
potential air and water pollution from chemical emissions and wastewater discharge. The EIA
report may recommend installing pollution control equipment, such as scrubbers or
sedimentation tanks, to mitigate environmental impacts.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Public Participation: EA processes involve consultation with
stakeholders, including local communities, environmental NGOs, and government agencies. This
engagement allows for the incorporation of diverse perspectives into decision-making,
potentially leading to better outcomes for both the environment and affected communities.
Public consultations are held during the EIA process, allowing affected communities to express
concerns, provide feedback, and suggest alternative approaches.
For example, communities living near a proposed industrial site may raise concerns about
potential noise pollution or loss of access to natural resources, influencing the final design and
operation of the project.
6. Monitoring and Enforcement: NEMA monitors industrial activities to ensure compliance with
environmental regulations even after the issuance of an EIA license. Regular inspections and
environmental audits are conducted to assess industrial performance and enforce corrective
actions if necessary.
For example, if a manufacturing plant is found to be exceeding emission limits outlined in its EIA
report, NEMA may impose fines or require the installation of additional pollution control
measures to bring the plant into compliance.
NEMA’S ROLE:
NEMA is Kenya’s environmental body. It coordinates research, investigations and surveys related to
environmental management. It ensures that EIA processes are followed for major project, including
developments. Its roles are:
1. Conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs):
NEMA evaluates proposed development projects to determine their potential environmental impact. It
identifies both negative and positive impacts of any project, considering effects ion people, property and
the environment. It ensures appropriate mitigation measures are put in place to minimize adverse
impacts and enhance positive outcomes.
2. Research, investigation and surveys:
NEMA undertakes and coordinates research, investigations, and surveys related to
environmental matters. It collects, collates, and disseminates information from these
studies. These data informs decision making and policy formulation.
3. Resource valuation and land use planning:
NEMA assesses the net worth or value of natural resources in Kenya. It recommends land
use planning strategies to relevant authorities. By understanding resource value, NEMA
guides sustainable utilization and conservation practices.
4. Monitoring financial and human resources:
NEMA mobilizes and monitors the use of financial and human resources for effective
environmental management. This includes overseeing budget allocations, staffing and
resource allocation for environmental initiatives.
5. Baseline data generation and evaluation:
NEMA conducts EIAs to generate baseline data for monitoring and evaluating impacts
during the project cycle. By establishing initial conditions, NEMA tracks changes and
assesses the effectiveness of mitigation measures. This contributes to informed
decision-making and adaptive management.
