Project Name Kenya- Makini Academy

Region Sub-Saharan Africa

Sector Infrastructure

Project No. 007711 October 17, 1996


1. The project involves the construction of fifteen buildings for a secondary school in Karen, a suburb of Nairobi. The Academy structure will be a combination of one-level, two-level, and three-level buildings made of concrete, natural stones and will be roofed with clay tiles. The school will have an enrollment of about 460 students. The sponsors include Mrs. E. M. Okelo, who is the Executive Director of the Makini School Ltd., Dr. P.A. Okelo, the Chairman, and Dr. R. Wildeing, the Principal.

2. This project is a category B project according to AEF’s environmental review procedure because specific impacts may result which can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor. The key environmental, health and safety issues considered in this project includes:

· sewage disposal/treatment;
· liquid and solid waste disposal;
· water and power supply;
· CFC-free cold storage;
· hygiene and general housekeeping; and
· fire safety and emergency response preparedness.

The information provided about how these potential impacts would be addressed in construction and operation of the establishment of the facility is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.

3. The sewage solids will be settled and degraded in septic tanks, prior to being emptied into the City Council Sewers periodically. The waste water will be used for sub-surface irrigation, and overflow from the irrigation fields will be collected in holding tanks and disposed of periodically into the City Council Sewers by using exhausters. The risk of ground water contamination by irrigation is not expected, since the irrigation will be in the upper layer of the soil, below which, there exist a natural filter.

4. All solid waste that is not recycled or sold for reuse will be collected by a licensed collection company in Nairobi. The organic waste will be collected and disposed of in compost heaps strategically located on site, and later used as humus for the planters within the school. The liquid waste will be pretreated through a grease trap prior to be used as sub-surface irrigation. Excess water will be collected and disposed of at the City Council sewers.
5. The water supply to the school is supplied by the Nairobi City Council Water Supply; however, the supply is irregular. Therefore, the Makini Academy has planned the construction of a 180 meter deep borehole to supply 5 m3/hr of water, this source will be supplemented by occasional water from the Nairobi City Council Water Supply. The water quality of the borehole will be analyzed for the chemical composition and bacteriological quality, and appropriate measures will be adopted to ensure its quality and compliance with the World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. Rain water from the roofs will be collected in special tanks, this water will be used as additional source of water for general use. Power supply will be through the National grid. In case of power supply failure, the Makini Academy will be equipped with backup diesel generators, fuel storage for these units will be in small capacity.

6. The school’s food storage facility will use portable refrigerators that are CFC-free. The Sponsor will implement appropriate housekeeping and hygiene practices in order to comply with World Bank guidelines.

7. A comprehensive fire protection and life safety plan will be provided for the Academy. The Academy’s design complies with the fire protection requirements of the Nairobi City Council. Fire alarms with voice communication system will be installed throughout the Academy as well as first aid fire protection appliances. All buildings will be provided with fire escapes clearly marked, and all paint work will be treated with fire retardants. Fire extinguishers will be installed in areas of high fire risk, such as the kitchen, switch room and laboratories. A hydrant system connected to the Nairobi City Council main water supply will also be installed. The Sponsor will ensure that all personnel and students are aware of the fire protection regulations and facilities. A safety officer will be employed to coordinate the training and safety procedures. The training will include, emergency response for natural disasters, fire protection, epidemics, etc., as well as to the proper use of the various safety equipment and the administration of first aid.

8. The Academy’s design and construction plans have been reviewed by a team of architects and engineers and who have certified that the project will comply with applicable Nairobi City Council standards. During construction close supervision will be provided by the architects and engineers to ensure the buildings are constructed as planned.

9. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that the proposed project is being designed to meet Government of Kenya requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.


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November 8, 1996 12:22 PM