About NEMA
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is the principal government agency responsible for coordinating environmental management activities in Kenya. Established under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), NEMA oversees environmental conservation, compliance, environmental impact assessments, pollution control, waste management regulations, and the implementation of environmental policies across the country.
Whether you are seeking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license, environmental audit services, waste management permits, environmental compliance certificates, or general environmental information, NEMA maintains a national headquarters and county offices throughout Kenya to serve the public.
NEMA Headquarters Location and Contacts
The NEMA national headquarters is located in Nairobi and serves as the authority’s main administrative and operational center.
| Contact Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) |
| Physical Address | Popo Road, South C, off Mombasa Road, Nairobi |
| Postal Address | P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Telephone | 0724 253 398 |
| Telephone | 0735 013 046 |
| info@nema.go.ke | |
| Website | www.nema.go.ke |
The headquarters handles policy development, environmental licensing, stakeholder engagement, environmental planning, compliance monitoring, and coordination of county offices nationwide.
Nairobi County NEMA Office
For residents and businesses operating within Nairobi County, NEMA maintains a dedicated county office.
| Contact Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nyayo House, 16th Floor |
| Postal Address | P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi |
| nairobi@nema.go.ke |
The Nairobi County office assists with environmental licensing applications, environmental compliance matters, inspections, audits, and public inquiries related to environmental management.
NEMA Regional and County Offices
NEMA has established offices in all counties to enhance accessibility and facilitate environmental management services across Kenya. These offices support local environmental governance and provide direct assistance to residents, businesses, institutions, and project developers.
Some of the major county offices include:
| County | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Nyayo House, 16th Floor | nairobi@nema.go.ke |
| Mombasa | Mvita House, Kwale Road, Kizingo | mombasa@nema.go.ke |
| Kiambu | MAPA House, 5th Floor, Kiambu Town | kiambu@nema.go.ke |
| Nakuru | PC’s Building, Block B, 2nd Floor | nakuru@nema.go.ke |
| Kisumu | Off Kisumu-Kakamega Road | kisumu@nema.go.ke |
| Uasin Gishu | Kenya Forest Service Offices, Eldoret | uasingishu@nema.go.ke |
| Machakos | KFS Machakos Office Complex | machakos@nema.go.ke |
| Nyeri | Regional Commissioner’s Block B | nyeri@nema.go.ke |
| Kakamega | County Commissioner’s Compound | kakamega@nema.go.ke |
| Meru | County Commissioner’s Office Compound | meru@nema.go.ke |
NEMA county offices are available throughout all 47 counties, enabling residents and businesses to access environmental services without having to travel to Nairobi.
Services Offered by NEMA
NEMA provides a wide range of environmental management and regulatory services. These include:
1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environmental Impact Assessments are required for projects that may affect the environment. NEMA reviews project reports and issues approvals where appropriate.
2. Environmental Audits
Organizations and facilities are required to conduct periodic environmental audits to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
3. Waste Management Licensing
NEMA licenses waste transporters, waste treatment facilities, recyclers, and waste disposal operators.
4. Air Quality Monitoring
The authority regulates emissions and monitors compliance with air quality standards.
5. Water Quality Protection
NEMA oversees compliance with water quality regulations and pollution prevention measures.
6. Noise Pollution Control
The agency regulates noise levels from businesses, construction sites, industries, and public events.
7. Environmental Education and Awareness
NEMA conducts environmental education programs aimed at promoting sustainable environmental practices.
8. Registration of Environmental Experts
The authority registers Environmental Impact Assessment experts and environmental auditors who provide professional environmental services.
When to Contact NEMA
You may need to contact NEMA if you are:
- Applying for an EIA License
- Undertaking a construction project
- Establishing an industrial facility
- Seeking waste management permits
- Reporting environmental pollution
- Conducting environmental audits
- Registering as an environmental expert
- Applying for environmental compliance certificates
- Seeking guidance on environmental regulations
Importance of NEMA in Kenya
NEMA plays a critical role in protecting Kenya’s natural resources and ensuring sustainable development. Through its regulatory and supervisory functions, the authority helps balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
Its responsibilities include coordinating environmental activities among government agencies, enforcing environmental laws, promoting sustainable resource utilization, and safeguarding public health through environmental protection initiatives.
Individuals, businesses, institutions, and project developers can access NEMA services through the headquarters in Nairobi or any of the county offices located across Kenya. The extensive county office network ensures that environmental services remain accessible to communities throughout the country.
