Mining and Mineral Development Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has highlighted Kilifi County’s vast mineral wealth, saying the government is focused on ensuring the resources are responsibly exploited for the benefit of local communities and Kenyans at large.
Joho said Kilifi is endowed with a wide range of minerals, including manganese, iron ore, limestone, zinc, lead, barite, copper, titanium and construction minerals such as ballast.
“Kilifi County is blessed with mineral wealth, including manganese, iron ore, limestone, zinc, lead, barite, copper, titanium and construction minerals (ballast),” Joho said.
The CS said the government was committed to ensuring the resources generate greater economic value locally, with emphasis on processing minerals before they are exported.
“The Ministry is focused on facilitating responsible exploitation of these resources for the benefit of the people of Kilifi and all Kenyans,” he said.
Joho noted that local beneficiation remains a key requirement under the Mining Act, 2016, arguing that value addition would help create jobs, increase government revenues and ensure communities benefit directly from mining activities.
“Local beneficiation is a key requirement under the Mining Act, 2016,” the CS said.
Joho made the remarks during a tour of Kilifi County, where he launched several projects aimed at supporting local development and strengthening the benefits arising from the region’s mineral resources.
Among the projects was a community water initiative in Vitengeni, funded by Halal Mining Company Limited.
Joho said the company is establishing a barite mining and processing plant in the area, alongside a state-of-the-art laboratory that will assess the economic value and potential of other minerals found in the region, including silver and lead.
“I was honoured to launch a series of projects, including a community water project for the people of Vitengeni in Kilifi, courtesy of Halal Mining Company Limited,” he said.
The CS said the company’s investment would contribute to the development of the local mining industry while opening up opportunities for residents.
“The company is establishing a barite mining and processing plant and a state-of-the-art laboratory to assess the economic value of other minerals, such as silver and lead,” Joho said.
The projects come as the government seeks to promote responsible mining and increase value addition within Kenya’s mineral sector.
Joho later joined Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro to launch the construction of a maternity wing and operating theatre at Vitengeni Health Centre.
The facility is being upgraded to a Level Four hospital, a development expected to improve access to maternity, surgical and other specialised healthcare services for residents of Vitengeni and surrounding areas.
The CS was accompanied by Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, Blue Economy and Fisheries PS Betsy Njagi, Youth and Creative Economy PS Fikirini Jacobs, area MP Charo Tungule and other local leaders.