Kenya’s Kwale used oil recycling plant faces public review with 20,000L batch capacity

KENYA – A Kenyan company has proposed a 20,000-litre-per-batch used oil recycling facility in Kwale County’s Samburu area, with NEMA seeking public comments over 30 days on an Environmental Impact Assessment for the project that aims to reduce environmental contamination from waste oil.

The National Environment Management Authority confirmed receipt of the ESIA study report through a Gazette Notice dated 4 September 2026. 

The proposed facility on Plot L.R. No. Kwale/Samburu/South Samburu-Gora will feature ten storage tanks, a 659.68-square-metre plant shed, recycling machinery, an office block, quality assurance department, truck parking area, loading bay, and an 8 to 10-foot-high boundary wall. 

The project will need approvals from Kwale Water and Sewerage Company, Kenya Power, and the county government. 

Hazard Prevention and Pollution Controls

The developer will carry out a Hazard and Operability Study and install a multi-stage Oil-Water Interceptor system alongside secondary stormwater containment measures to guard against spills and leaks. 

The plant will engage NEMA-licensed handlers for solid and sanitary waste, following the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022. 

Air quality measures include double-netted dust screens during construction and bi-annual monitoring of stack emissions. 

Used oil recycling reduces the risk of soil and groundwater contamination from improperly disposed waste oil. 

The single major used oil recycling plant currently serving the coastal region is Power Rex Lubricants in Nairobi, approximately 500 kilometres away. 

The project proponent, Ali Empex Enterprises, has been involved in used oil collection and transportation for many years and intends to now process and recycle the oil locally. 

The ESIA study notes that used oil recycling is seen as having a positive long-term impact on the environment and social aspects, with the risk of soil and groundwater pollution being reduced to low risk or eliminated.

Community Engagement and Economic Benefits

Members of the public can review the full report at NEMA’s offices in Nairobi or at the Kwale County Director of Environment’s office, with written comments accepted for thirty days from publication. 

The project is expected to create employment opportunities, generate revenue for the county and central governments, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting used oil to Nairobi for processing. 

The facility will also support other businesses such as transport, auto repair, and environmental services. 

The ESIA study indicates the project will support other small and larger scale businesses in the area, adding a customer base for transport, auto repair, and environmental services. 

The proponent will also maintain an Emergency Response Plan covering rollovers, spillages, fires and explosions, while meeting EPRA’s transport regulations. Workers will be protected under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2007, with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment provided and safety training conducted.

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