The sand mining industry in Kajiado County, Kenya, is expanding rapidly due to a surge in construction activities linked to urbanization and significant infrastructure projects. With young laborers engaged in manual extraction of sand, drivers pay both for the sand and to the workers, while also navigating local taxation and informal bribes. This informal economy reflects both the demand generated by the building boom and the lax regulatory environment surrounding sand extraction.

The United Nations environmental programme has raised alarms about unsustainable sand mining practices in Kenya, which are damaging the ecosystem of river systems and contributing to environmental degradation. Despite the evident economic activity and job creation associated with sand mining, the lack of coherent regulations leads to significant negative impacts. This raises concerns about how to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, as informal extractive activities often operate without adequate oversight or controls.

It is suggested that rather than imposing strict regulations from the top down, a more collaborative approach should be taken. Local involvement in the crafting of regulations and better community engagement might yield more sustainable practices in sand mining, ensuring that both the ecological and economic needs of the region are met. Fostering local governance in these regulatory measures could lead to more effective management of resources and protection of the environment, while also supporting the ongoing construction demands.