Kisumu has ordered an immediate halt to all mining and quarry activities after four boys from the same family drowned in an abandoned quarry, a tragedy that has shaken the lakeside county and renewed questions about safety and oversight.

Speaking on Tuesday, February 10, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o announced a blanket suspension covering sand harvesting and murram extraction. The move takes effect immediately.

The boys drowned on Sunday evening after going to swim in an open quarry near Kudho Primary and Secondary School. According to local officials, one of the boys ventured into deeper water and began to struggle. His three brothers rushed in to help. None made it out.

Benson Leparmorijo, the Kisumu County Commissioner, said the boys were aged between eight and 15.

“This is a heartbreaking loss,” he said, confirming that all four were siblings.

A ban with conditions

Governor Nyong’o said only operators with valid approvals and clear safety standards would be considered for a return to work, and only after strict checks.

“No mining or quarrying activity shall be permitted without a clearly approved, time-bound land rehabilitation and restoration plan,” he said. “Excavated sites must not remain dangerous to the public.”

The county government will set up a joint task force with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to review all existing quarries. The team will audit sites, enforce compliance and pursue legal action against those operating outside the law.

“This task force will carry out a full audit and take firm action where safety and environmental rules have been ignored,” the governor added.

A preventable tragedy

While offering condolences to the family, Nyong’o was blunt about responsibility.

“With deep sadness, I must say this is a tragedy that could and should have been prevented,” he said. “Open, unregulated and unsafe quarries within our communities are unacceptable.”

Abandoned quarries are common in parts of Kisumu, often filling with water and becoming informal swimming spots, especially for children. Local residents say warnings are rare and fencing is often missing.

Following the incident, authorities urged the public to avoid swimming in unprotected water sites such as quarries and dams.

The county’s decision is likely to affect small-scale miners and construction suppliers in the short term. Some operators argue that a total ban could hurt livelihoods. County officials say safety must come first and that compliant businesses will be allowed back once checks are complete.

For now, the focus remains on preventing another loss of life.