The Kibabii University has been asked to stop discharging raw sewer into Mayanja River.
The University was given two days to come up with means of treating the effluent before discharging it into the river.
Residents living around the University and those using the water have panicked that the raw sewer might cause a cholera outbreak.
Bungoma county CECM water, Environment, Tourism and Natural Resources Renson Makheti asked the University to construct a chlorination point within the University to recycle waste water.
He spoke during a meeting with University officials in his office.
“We don’t want to endanger the lives of our people. We have directed the university management to ensure that they look for a temporary solution within two days as they plan to come up with a long term solution,”Said Makheti
There has been an outcry from residents because of the green colored effluent which produces a foul smell, an indication that it is has not gone through requisite treatment.
The University has been discharging the waste into river Mayanja raising further questions as to why they should discharge such waste before treatment
University official John Wachira admitted that the university has been negligent and promised to hasten the construction of a chlorination point at the university.
As a way to compensate the community, Makheti advised the university management to consider drilling a borehole and supply the surrounding community with water through water kiosks.
The stakeholders present in the meeting included the area MCA Joseph Juma, NEMA Director Bungoma County, public Health officer, Environment officer from the ministry and the local’s representative.