A REPORT ON A FIELD ATTACHMENT AT NEMA HOMABAY COUNTY OFFICE LOCATED

IN HOMABAY TOWN WITHIN HOMABAY DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS OFFICES

BY STEPHEN OYOO ADUDA

N38/2607/2010

A FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT SUBMITTED TO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE AWARD OF A
BACHELORS DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
September 2013

The attachment was supervised by:

Host Supervisors:
Mr. Solomon Kihiu
Mr. John Maniafu
University Supervisors:
Dr. Richard Kerich

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Sincere thanks goes to the lecturers at Kenyatta University Main Campus, School of
Environmental Studies for their dedication in equipping me with the necessary
knowledge and their immeasurable interaction with and mentorship to their
students. I owe special thanks to Mr. Solomon Kihiu, the County Director of
Environment, NEMA Homa Bay County, and Mr. John Maniafu, the County
Environment Officer, NEMA Homabay County Office, my host supervisors, for giving
me the opportunity to be attached in their office and for giving me their unreserved
advise, guidance, technical and academic support. Special thanks also go to Dr.
Richard Kerich, my university supervisor, for his sincere assessment of my work and
for directing me in ensuring the success of my attachment. I would also like to thank
my colleague attachees and interns at NEMA Homabay County Office for their
insights, constant guidance and encouragement throughout the entire attachment
period. I also thank my classmates and family members for their unrelenting
encouragement, advice and companionship. Gratitude also goes to Mr. Joseph
Omwom for accommodating me the whole time I was doing my attachment. To
crown it all, immense gratitude goes to The Almighty God for making the
attachment possible and successful and for granting me life.

ABSTRACT
This attachment report outlines the skills and experiences acquired while on a field
attachment as a part time environmental inspector, environmental awareness
creator and customer care executive in the Finance and Administration department
of NEMA Homabay County Office for the award of a Bachelors Degree in
Environmental Science between 6th May and 31st August 2013. This report outlines
various aspects of this period such as; background information on NEMA, various
duties performed, a profile of skills gained and experiences achieved, challenges
met during the attachment, a comparison of the university training and practicum
experience, critique of the university training and the status of the organization as
well as recommendations for university training and for the organization, plus a
summary and conclusion section.

ACRONYMS
NEMA-

National Environment Management Authority

LVEMP II-

Lake Victoria Environment Management Program phase II

RCE

Regional Centre for Expertise

EIA

Environmental Impact Assesment

EA

Environmental Audit

EMCA

Environmental Management and Coordination Act

Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT................................................................................................. 2
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................... 3
ACRONYMS................................................................................................................. 4
CHAPTER ONE............................................................................................................. 6
1.0.

NEMA HOMABAY COUNTY..............................................................................6

1.1.

Core functions of the Authority...................................................................6

1.2.

Organization structure................................................................................ 7

1.3.

The NEMA Board of Management...............................................................8

1.4.

Mandate.................................................................................................... 10

1.5.

Vision........................................................................................................ 10

1.6.

Motto........................................................................................................ 10

1.7.

Core values............................................................................................... 10

1.8.

Location of the Office................................................................................ 10

CHAPTER TWO.......................................................................................................... 12
1.0.

SECTION I WAS ATTACHED IN.......................................................................12

1.1. Department of Environment Education, Information and Public

Participation:...................................................................................................... 12
1.2.

Finance and Administration......................................................................13

CHAPTER THREE....................................................................................................... 14

CHAPTER ONE
1.1. NEMA HOMABAY COUNTY
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is established
under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) No. 8 of 1999,
as the principal instrument of government in the implementation of all policies
relating to the environment.
The Authority became operational on 1st July 2002 following the merger of three
government departments, namely: the National Environment Secretariat (NES), the
Permanent Presidential Commission on Soil Conservation and Afforestation
(PPCSCA), and the Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS).
However, following government restructuring in March 2003, DRSRS reverted to its
departmental status under the then Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
(MENR). There was a transition period characterised by the integration of previous
departmental activities and appointment of the first Board of Management.
The enactment of EMCA, 1999 was a milestone in promoting sustainable
environmental management in the country. The Act provides for the harmonization
of about 77 sectoral statutes, which address aspects of the environment. Some
sectoral statutes have inadequate provisions for prosecution of environmental
offenders, while in some penalties are not sufficiently punitive to deter offenders.
EMCA, 1999 provides an institutional framework and procedures for management of
the environment, including provisions for conflict resolution.
Section 3 of EMCA, 1999 states that Every person in Kenya is entitled to a clean
and healthy environment and has the duty to safeguard and enhance the
environment. The Act is intended to ensure that our activities do not compromise
the capacity of the resource base to meet the needs of the present generation as
well as those of future generations (WCED, 1987)
1.2.

Core functions of the Authority

Coordinating the various environmental management activities being undertaken by the

lead agencies

Promote the integration of environmental considerations into development policies,

plans, programs and projects, with a view to ensuring the proper management and
rational utilization of environmental resources, on sustainable yield basis, for the
improvement of the quality of human life in Kenya.

To take stock of the natural resources in Kenya and their utilization and conservation.
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To establish and review land use guidelines.

Examine land use patterns to determine their impact on the quality and quantity of natural
resources.

Carry out surveys, which will assist in the proper management and conservation of the
environment.

Advise the Government on legislative and other measures for the management of the
environment or the implementation of relevant international conventions, treaties and
agreements.

Advise the Government on regional and international conventions, treaties and

agreements to which Kenya should be a party and follow up the implementation of such
agreements.

Undertake and coordinate research, investigation and surveys, collect, collate and
disseminate information on the findings of such research, investigations or surveys.

Mobilize and monitor the use of financial and human resources for environmental
management.

Identify projects and programs for which environmental audit or environmental

monitoring must be conducted under this Act.

Initiate and evolve procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents, which may
cause environmental degradation and evolve remedial measures where accidents occur
e.g. floods, landslides and oil spills.

Monitor and assess activities, including activities being carried out by relevant lead
agencies, in order to ensure that the environment is not degraded by such activities.
Management objectives must be adhered to and adequate early warning on impending
environmental emergencies is given.

Undertake, in cooperation with relevant lead agencies, programs intended to enhance

environmental education and public awareness, about the need for sound environmental
management, as well as for enlisting public support and encouraging the effort made by
other entities in that regard.

Publish and disseminate manual codes or guidelines relating to environmental

management and prevention or abatement of environmental degradation.

Render advice and technical support, where possible, to entities engaged in natural
resources management and environmental protection, so as to enable them to carry out
their responsibilities satisfactorily.
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1.3.

Prepare and issue an annual report on the State of Environment in Kenya and in this
regard, may direct any lead agency to prepare and submit to it a report on the state of the
sector of the environment under the administration of that lead agency.
Organization structure

In order to implement its core functions, the Authority has established six departments and one
sub-department.

Directorate

Compliance and Enforcement department (C&E)

Environmental Planning and Research Coordination Department (EPRC)

Department Environment Education, Information and Public Participation

Legal Services Department

Finance and Administration

Coastal, Marine & Fresh water Sub-Department

1.4.

The NEMA Board of Management

The Authority is managed by a Board of Directors that provides effective leadership and control.
It provides the overall policy guidelines for effective operations of the Authority in terms of
approving the NEMAs strategy and ensuring best practice of corporate governance. In this
regard, the Board has developed and adopted a charter in conformity to the principles of good
corporate governance.
Mr. Maluki Kitili Mwendwa is the chairman of NEMA Board of Management He holds an
MBA (Finance and Entrepreneurial Management) from Wharton School, University of
Pennsylvania, USA and a BA (Hons) Economics and Commerce from the University of Hull,
UK. He has been involved in planning, strategy formulation and implementation, product
development and management, including human resources training and recruiting both locally
and internationally. Maluki was appointed to the NEMA board on 23rd November 2005.
Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu NEMA Director General

The new NEMA Director General Professor Geoffrey Wahungu was the Dean of Natural
Resources and Environmental Studies at Karatina University College, a constituent college of
Moi university.

Ms. RoseMary Murugu Board member: Chairperson, Publicity and Outreach

Committee of the NEMA board of management.
Mr. Erastus Wahome Alternate member Ministry of Finance

Mr. Erastus Wahome was appointed Board Member in 2011. He is an Economist and holds a
Masters and Post graduate Degrees in Economics from the Monash University, Melbourne,
Australia and a Bachelor Degree from the University of Nairobi. Prior to assuming his current
position as Chief Economist, he had worked in other Government Ministries and served in
various positions. He served as an advisor to the Secretary Generals of COMESA and EAC,
IGAD and IOC under the auspices of the Inter-Regional Coordinating Committee (IRCC)
between 2006 - 2009. He is an expert on regional integration issues and climate change. He has
served as coordinator and expert in many regional and international conferences in the field of
trade and regional integration, climate policy development and climate finance among others
Mr. Sam Ogutha is a Member Board of Management as Chairman Finance and
Human Resources Committee
Ms. Njeri Mwangi (Alternate member) Attorney Generals Representative)
Ms. Njeri Mwangi Wachira is the Alternate Director to the Hon. Attorney-General.
She has a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Nairobi and a
Masters in Public International Law (LL.M) degree from Lund University, Sweden.
She is a Senior Deputy Chief State Counsel, Department of Treaties & Agreements
with vast experience in litigation, human rights and international humanitarian law,
environmental law, regional integration, commercial and finance law and public
international law.
Ms. Kulamo Bullo Nema Board Member

Ms. Kulamo Bullo is the chairperson of Liaison Standards and Implementation Committee. She
is a graduate from Kenyatta University and also has a Master of Arts degree in Communication
Studies from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is also a senior editor at the Kenya Literature
Bureau. She was appointed to NEMA board on 13th January, 2010.
Mr. Ali Noor Ismail, Board member
Mr. Ali Noor Ismail is the chairman of the Research and Planning committee of the board. He
holds an M Sc degree in Human Resource Development from University of Manchester UK,
a law degree from University of Nairobi, and a BA (Hons) (Government and Sociology) from
University of Nairobi He is an accomplished administrator with over 26 years experience in
management and leadership.. He is currently the Executive Director Human Resources and
Administration, National Bank of Kenya.
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Dr. Susan Mwamlole Board member

Dr. Susan Mwamlole is the chairman of Audit, Governance and Risk Management
Committee of the NEMA board. She holds a degree in Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the
University of Nairobi. A masters in Dental Public Health from University if London and a
Diploma in Dental Public Health from the Royal College of Surgeon England. Experience in
Public administration,management and Public Health having worked at senior level in the Public
Sector in and out of the country. Currently in Private Practice.
Dr. Ayub Macharia-Director EEIPP

Dr. Ayub Macharia is the director of Environmental Education, Information and Public
Participation. He holds a B.Ed. in Botany and zoology, a Masters in Environmental Science and
a PhD in Environmental Education, the latter from Rhodes University in South Africa.
Dr. Kennedy Ondimu - Director

Dr. Kennedy Ondimu is the Director Environmental Planning and Research Coordination. He
hold a BA (Geography) and MA (Planning) from University of Nairobi and a PhD in
Environmental Planning and Management from Moi University. He has over 20 years experience
in environment planning and management, fundraising and managing donor projects. He has
published widely on environmental management in international journals.
Mr. Malwa Langwen-Director Compliance and Enforcement
Langwen is the Director of Compliance and Enforcement. He holds a BSC in
Chemistry from the University of Nairobi and a MSc. in Environmental Pollution
Control from the University of Leeds, UK. He has over 20 years experience in
environmental management and pollution control.
1.5. Mandate
It is a government parastatal which is the principal agency of the government in all
matters relating to environmental management.
1.6. Vision
To be a world-class Environmental Authority that ensures a clean and healthy
environment for all
Mission
Safeguard and enhance the quality of the environment through coordination,
research, facilitation and enforcement, while encouraging responsible individual,
corporate and collective participation towards sustainable development.
1.7. Motto
Our environment, our life, our responsibility
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1.8. Core values

Team work and partnership building; efficiency and effectiveness; accountability and
transparency, excellence and professionalism; creativity and innovation; courage of
conviction; sensitivity and responsiveness and result oriented.
1.9.

Location of the Office

NEMA has its headquarters in Popo Road, South C, Nairobi, but with the current introduction
of the county government, its duties have been decentralized to the various county offices.
I was attached to the Office of the County Director of Environment, Homa Bay County,
Department of Finance and Administration, which is currently in the District Lands Offices
Homabay District.
Homa Bay County is located in the now defunct Nyanza Province; it borders Lake Victoria to
the West and North, and the following counties; Kisumu and Kericho to the North East, Nyamira
and Kisii to the East, and Migori to the South. It covers 3,183.3 Km2.
Temperatures range from a mean annual minimum of 17.1C to a mean maximum of 34.8C,
with rainfall amounts of between 250mm and 700mm per annum.
Road Network: Bitumen Surface (101.8 Km), Gravel Surface (415.4 Km), Earth Surface (604.6
Km)
Key National Monuments include Ruma National Park, Tom Mboya Mausoleum, etc.
Population: 963,794 (Male 48 %, Female 52 %)
Population Density: 303 people per Km 2
National Percentage: 2.5 %
Annual Growth Rate: 2.7 %
Age Distribution: 0-14 years (48.1 %), 15-64 years (48.2 %), 65+ years (3.7 %)
Number of Households: 206,255
County Capital: Homa Bay Town.
The constituencies within the county are Gwasi, Karachuonyo, Kasipul, Kabondo, Mbita,
Ndhiwa and Rangwe.
Number of Local Authorities (2010): 7 (Town councils of Mbita Point, Oyugis, and Kendu
Bay, County council of Suba, Rachuonyo North, Rachuonyo South, and Municipal Council of
Homa Bay)
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Poverty Level: 50.2 %

Age Dependency Ratio: 100:107
Resources: Water, Arable Land, Livestock, Pasture, Wildlife
Tourist Attractions: Ruma National Park, Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Rusinga and Mfangano
Islands, Kanjera Archaeological site, Volcanic Lake Simbi Nyaima in Karachuonyo, Mt. Homa
Main Economic Activities/industries: Fishing and fish trade, Fish Processing, Commercial
Businesses
Agricultural products include Maize, Millet, Cassava, Sunflower
Health Facilities: 164 District Hospitals (4), Sub-District Hospitals (7), Dispensaries (88),
Health Centres (38), Medical Clinics (14), VCT Centres (7), Other (1)
Doctor to Population Ratio: 1:150,000 (Rachuonyo), 1:85,000 (Suba), 1:38,707 (Homa Bay)
Infant Mortality Rates: 87/1000 (Rachuonyo), 110/1000 (Suba), 137/1000 (Homa Bay)

CHAPTER TWO
1.1. SECTION I WAS ATTACHED IN
I was attached in the Department Environment Education, Information and Public

Participation, and the department of Finance and Administration which are mandated with the
following duties:
1.2.

Department of Environment Education, Information and Public

Participation:

The Department of Environmental Education, Information and Public Participation

(EEIPP) provide strategies for Education and awareness creation activities as well as services
for the authority.
Kenya's ability to meet environment threats at home and abroad is in extricable linked with the
priority it places on environmental education/awareness programs. Environmental issues are
frequently complex and contested. Without a firm, educated basis of knowledge and understand,
progress on environmental issues becomes haphazard, uncertain and unlikely.
The department addresses provisions of EMCA 1999, as contained in part 3 sections 9(m)
which mandates NEMA to Undertake cooperation with lead agencies, programmes intended to
enhance environmental education and public awareness about the need for sound environmental

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management as well as for enlisting public support and encouraging the efforts made by other
entities regarding the same.
The department is divided into the following sections, namely:

Environmental Education and Information

Awareness and public participation

1.2.1.Functions of the department

The department develops, publishes and disseminates environmental

education and awareness materials eg. Posters, Brochures, Magazines and
stickers. These materials are supplied during public engagement meetings
such as the ASK shows and trade fairs, environment days, public service
week, among others.

It also publicizes environmental matters and facilitates public participation

and partnerships in environmental management programs.

It manages the NEMA website where most of the information materials can be
downloaded.

It also organizes environmental events such as World Environment day.

The department has started a Environment capacity building program to
address the challenges of the environmental management by offering short
courses

1.2.2.Recent activities of the department

Implementation of Education for Sustainable Dev. (ESD)

Environment capacity building and develop training materials

Disseminate information materials Information Centers

Develop environmental information for the NEMA website

Provide a wide range of information to the researchers from tertiary and

secondary institutions

Co-ordination of RCEs in Kenya

Creating awareness on the regulations through workshops and seminars

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Coordinate the establishment of green points

Development of awareness materials brochures posters and booklets

Actively participate in ASK shows

1.3.

Finance and Administration

The Finance and Administration supports the operations of other departments of the Authority. It
ensures effective administration, servicing of activities through financing, human resource
development, IT services provision and other logistical support. The department has the
following sections; Human Resources and Administration, ICT, Accounts and Procurement
sections.
1.3.1.Functions of the department

The main functions of the department include;

Effective Financial Management and Control systems;

Ensuring revenue collection, EIA and other receipts due to the Government
are collected promptly banked and accounted for;

Ensure that pre-audit of the relevant documents is carried out;

Ensuring timely processing of all financial reports;

Establishing effective ICT Infrastructure and MIS and ensure the organization
utilizes most current technology in operation to improve productivity.

Ensuring a high degree of professionalism, continuous capacity building,

competitive remuneration and conducive working environments for staff.

Ensuring effective
resources;

Ensuring efficient management of organizations

vehicles, office equipment and buildings;

Formulating, recommending and implementing sound financial control policy

for NEMA

Advising the Director General on all matters relating to the finances of the
Authority

Liaising with NEMAs independent auditors. Ensuring that all financial

accounts and records meet management, donor and other stakeholder
requirements

deployment

and

prudent

development
resources,

of

human
including

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Ensuring that all accounting operations are effectively and efficiently

performed

Maintaining effective financial control over the assets and liabilities, income
and disbursements.

Preparing and maintaining periodic financial, analytical, and interpretive

reports for the Management.

Ensuring effective procurement through competitive tendering and efficient

stores management adhering to quantity and quality specifications

CHAPTER THREE
ATTACHMENT DETAILS
DUTIES PERFORMED
In this chapter, I describe the general and specific activities I performed while on
the attachment.
General Duties`
General office administration
NEMA Homa Bay County Office operates from 8am to 5pm on weekdays. It was my
duty to ensure that the offices are open cleaned and ready before the operation
time. I also ensured that all duties assigned to me by my supervisors were promptly
executed.
Customer Care
I spent most of my time during the attachment on the customer care desk where I
ensured that all customers/clients needs are properly taken care of. All the cases I
could not handle I forwarded to my supervisors. I received complaints and concerns
from the public, recorded them and forwarded them to my supervisors for
responses.
Data handling
I was also entrusted with the duty of typing the data to be stored in soft copy in the
organizations computers, and also filed the data received and stored in hard copy
for example; I received and filed EIA and EA reports from development proponents;
and filing of payment receipts.
I also photocopied and scanned documents to be issued to clients in duplicates.
Specific Duties

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Along with the general duties, I was also given certain specific duties that are
related to my field of study. Among those were:
Compliance and enforcement of EMCA 1999 and its regulations
Conducting environmental inspections and field visits
Carrying out surveillance and surveys on environmental issues in the county
Environmental reporting and recording
Processing of EIA reports
Community mobilization and barazas for environmental awareness creation
Reviewing and evaluation of EIAs reports
SKILLS ACQUIRED
In performing my routine duty on the customer care desk, I learnt more about
customer and client relation skills. I managed to interact with the clients who had
come to make reports, make enquiries and the proponents who had brought in their
EIA reports and EA reports for reviewing by NEMA. Through interacting with them
and responding to their needs, I acquired great skills of relating with a wide variety
of people. Some of them even challenged me and gave me some insight into real
life lessons.
Through my interaction with my supervisors and other heads of other departments
and offices, I learnt more about networking. My field supervisor taught me much
about how to network and how to meet my potential employers, how to obtain their
contacts and how to sell my skills.
I also gained data entry skills and data management skills. By typing and handling
the organizations data, I learnt about the different filing systems, orderliness in
data storage, I gained more experience in using Ms Word and Ms Excel.
Office administration skills: these I gained through the long times that I spent in the
office of the County Director of Environment.
I developed a routine of punctuality. Since I was the one expected to open the
offices early enough to ensure that they are ready before 8am, I had to wake up
very early and be prompt in reaching the office. At first it was a challenge, but later
it became part of my daily routine, it has since then become my habit.
I also gained skills for identifying the major environmental issues. By reading the
articles, brochures, flyers and books in the organizations library during the times
when I was in the office, I learnt more about the major environmental issues in the

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region and how to identify them. The inspections I went to also helped build up this
skill.
I also gained inspection skills through observing how my supervisors conducted
them.
Community mobilization and awareness creation skills: Trough going out on
awareness creation campaigns and Barazas, I gained practical skills in creating
environmental awareness.
CHALLENGES
Obtaining the attachment was very challenging, I almost missed the chance. Out of
all the 20 organizations I applied to, only one responded, but just to tell me that
they are sorry my application reached them late. My late and desperate application
to NEMA is what landed me in the attachment.
During the start of the attachment, there were lots of rains that really made
movement an issue, lots of mud that resulted really brought a challenge in
maintaining presentable and neat office attire. It also affected my punctuality.
I was attached in Homabay, a place I am alien to, there was the challenge of finding
a good place to stay, which is close to the town where the offices are located. I also
had to make new friends which was really challenging.
I got my attachment in a remote area where there are very little development
activities that require environmental monitoring by the Authority. There were
therefore very few instances when I was sent on inspection visits; this hindered me
from acquiring enough practical skills as was the aim of the attachment.
We did our attachment during a transition period in which the governance system
was moving from the national government to the county governance, so there were
challenges in allocation of funds by the Government; this meant that some
inspection visits and some awareness creation campaigns could not be facilitated by
NEMA, hence further reducing the amount of practical/field work to be done.
Duplication of efforts was another challenge. In Homabay County, there are many
bodies dealing with environmental issues and protection. These bodies include
Public Health Office, Kenya Forest Services Office, Municipal Council office, NEMA,
County Water Company, Municipal Sewage Company. These bodies do not work in
unison but try to deal with the same things on their own terms; this made it very
hard to deal with the identified and reported environmental issues of concern.
Language barrier was another challenge. When we went to enlighten the
community about the functions of NEMA or when clients, proponents and other
developers came to the office for enquiries, there was a challenge in translating
some of the terminologies into the local language, Luo.
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AREAS I USED MY SKILLS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION

My knowledge of the basic computer packages, e.g. Ms Word and Ms Excel, was
very useful in the data entry for the organization.
My ability to type fast helped in typing letters and documents even in emergency
situations
My knowledge of environmental issues of concern helped in identifying
environmental crimes committed in the county.
My prior training of statistical methods proved very valuable especially in the
collection, storage and retrieval of data.
My good communication skills helped in the handling of client and customer needs
and in creating environmental awareness.

CHAPTER FOUR
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UNIVERSITY TRAINING AND PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE
During the practicum period, I realized that there are very many areas where the
university training was relevant to the activities carried out during the attachment,
such relationships include:
Solid waste management; we have been taught a unit on solid waste management,
the different methods of solid waste management like dumping, incineration,
recycling, etc. NEMA carries out waste management inspections on a regular basis;
they enact the EMCA law that provides that for any organization to handle wastes,
they have to apply for a waste handling license, waste transporting license, and
waste dumping license.
Water quality management; in the University, we are taught the various sources of
water pollution including the point and non-point sources. The point sources include
petrol stations, processing plants, industries, institutions, residential areas among
others.
The non-point sources include farms, roads, etc.
Water quality management is easier in the point sources than in the non-point
sources. NEMA engages in both as they enforce the Water Quality Regulations,
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2006. The institutions, processing plants, industries and the residential

establishments are required by The Authority to apply for effluent discharge licenses
and avoid discharging their wastes directly into the environment. I went for water
quality compliance inspection, under the guidance of my field supervisor, in
establishments such as Sukari Industries Limited, Tourist Hotel, Rusinga Lodge,
Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant, and many other sewage generating
organizations in Homa Bay County.
We also visited the lake shore to check on people who establish Car Washes at the
lake shore which lead to lake water pollution.
We also went for inspection at the petrol stations in Homabay County which are
required to have paved dispensing areas, proper drainage and properly functioning
interceptor.
However, there were certain failures and limitations that I observed both on the
university side and the organization side;
Failure on the university side
Lack of exposure to practical skills; the university training is focused mainly on
theory work than on practical exposure to actual field events, this means that
students who are sent out on attachments are very ignorant about very many
things.
Very little details during lectures; even the theory lectures present very few details
that are not even useful I real life issues, for instance, the trainings concentrate
majorly on the basics.
Limitations of the organization
The office to which I was attached does not have an elaborate provision for building
up attachees and interns as we are taught to expect in the university.
In the university, we are taught that NEMA actually carries out an environmental
impact assessment and environmental audits, but I realized that the assessments
are done by professionals registered with NEMA but who are not employees of
NEMA, so I was unable to do an EIA or an EA as I had expected, all I could do was
review the EIAs and EAs.

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CHAPTER FIVE
RECOMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UNIVERSITY TRAINING
Students should be involved in more practical work by their lecturers than in theory
work.
Lecturers should cover their units extensively and not just concentrate on the
basics; students should be assigned individual supervisors who guide them in
research and extensive studies.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION
NEMA should have a proper and special program for building up those attached to
the office
It should employ receptionists and office administrators so that those attached to
the office will concentrate on gaining practical and relevant skills rather than
working in the office as a daily routine.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
I successfully completed a four-month attachment running from May to August 2013
at NEMA Homabay County Office as a requirement for the completion of my degree
course. Homabay County is located in South Nyanza. Through the attachment, I
managed to obtain practical skills in environmental monitoring and management.
The attachment also exposed me to the practical application of the things I have
studied in the University and brought me in contact with my potential employers.
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Though I met challenges during the attachment period, I was able to cope well and
complete with total success.
REFERENCES

- See more at: http://softkenya.com/homa-bay-county

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