Industrial Development And The State Of The Natural Environment, A Case Of Abogeta Division, Meru Central District, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to assess the industrial development and

the state of the natural environment, a case of Abogeta Division Meru

Central District Kenya. The objectives of the study were to assess the

extent to which the establishment of industries have contributed to air

pollution, establish the effects of industrial pollution on water and land,

find out how the establishment of industries has contributed to the

destruction of the natural forests and to assess the impact of industrial

noise on the local population. The methods used for data collection were

questionnaires for both industrialists and retailers and interviews for

selected industrialists. Data was analyzed and presented by the use of

ji·equencies, percentages, tables and pie charts. The findings revealed that

industrial development has led to an increase in air pollution, it has

affected the quality of water and increased land pollution, it has caused

the destruction of natural forests and has resulted to noise pollution which

affects the local population. The study recommended that the government

should pass strict laws that should aim at reducing industrial pollution

and waste products. The government should encourage source reduction,

recycling and treatment of industrial wastes before disposal. The

manufacturers should minimize excessive packing and encourage the use of biogradable materials. The government should specify gazetted areas, produce enough electric power supply to supplement wood fuel and embark on a tree planting campaign.