Cabinet Secretary for Mining Hassan Joho has held a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the Kwale County Assembly amid growing disagreements over the future of Mrima Hills, a mineral-rich area at the centre of competing claims involving mining rights, environmental protection and revenue sharing.
The meeting came days after political tension escalated over how the site should be managed and who stands to benefit from its exploitation. Mrima Hills is believed to host rare earth minerals, making it one of Kenya’s most strategic — and controversial — mining prospects.
Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth Kamanza urged MCAs to give the Cabinet Secretary a hearing, saying it was important for the House to understand the national government’s position and the direction it intended to take on the project.
Addressing the MCAs, Joho said the engagement formed part of ongoing consultations between the Ministry of Mining and county leadership over the proposed Mrima Hills project.
He dismissed claims that the government had already awarded the site to an investor, insisting that no mining licence had been issued and no agreement signed.
“Has the government awarded Mrima? No, we have not awarded. Has the government considered anyone for Mrima yet? No, we have not identified an investor yet,” Joho said.
The Cabinet Secretary said the project would only proceed through a transparent and competitive tendering process, aimed at maximising benefits for Kwale residents and the country at large.
Joho assured leaders that the government was keen to ensure the project delivered tangible local benefits, including business opportunities such as food supply, transport services and other forms of local content that could support livelihoods in the county.
“There will be business done, there will be food supplies, transport supplies — so many of what is defined as local content that will transform many lives. We want to take Mrima through a tender process so that we get the most value,” he said.
“I want to assure you we will walk this journey together, and I will not tire,” Joho added.
Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai also addressed the forum, outlining mineral development opportunities in Kwale County and noting its growing strategic importance within the national mining sector.
Several MCAs welcomed the engagement but raised concerns over past exclusion and lack of information.
Dzombo MCA Douglas Chimako described the meeting as an eye-opener, noting that despite mineral exploration activities dating back many years, local leaders and residents had not previously received direct explanations from national authorities about the value of minerals in the area.
“It is an eye-opener. Mining matters began long ago, but no one came from the national government to inform us — the citizens or leaders — that there are minerals of value,” Chimako said.
Vanga MCA Yusuf Hassan said Kwale could not afford to miss out on the opportunity, arguing that proper exploitation of Mrima Hills could transform the county through improved infrastructure and social services, including healthcare.
“We cannot allow this wealth to slip away. Kwale will shine because of Mrima. We will have advanced hospitals and services of a high standard. Let us save Kwale now,” he said.
