Cabinet Secretary for Mining and the Blue Economy Hassan Joho has directed security officers in Vihiga County to arrest foreigners involved in illegal mining activities, amid growing concerns over exploitation of local communities.
Speaking during a visit to the county headquarters where he paid a courtesy call to Governor Wilbert Otichillo, Joho, who also chairs the County Security Committee through Vihiga County Security Chairperson Peter Maina, raised alarm over the increasing number of foreign nationals allegedly pitching camp in the area to carry out illegal mining operations.
The CS warned that some of the activities were taking place under the watch of security officers, terming the situation unacceptable and calling for immediate enforcement action.
Joho further stressed that the government is working towards establishing a more structured and sustainable mining sector that will ensure local communities benefit from natural resources within their areas.
“We are focused on ensuring mining activities are properly regulated so that they create real opportunities for locals and not exploitation,” he said.
He also revealed that prospecting work by Shutter Gold Company is still ongoing, noting that preliminary findings indicate the possibility of more mineral deposits underground. According to Joho, full exploitation of the resources could require an investment of over USD 510 million.
Governor Wilbert Otichillo echoed the CS’s sentiments, noting that the county government is in discussions with the national government to fast-track the approval of the company as a key investor in the mining sector.
Otichillo further disclosed that the county is also planning to commence granite mining following discoveries indicating that Western Kenya holds significant deposits, estimated at over 30 percent of the country’s granite resources.
The leaders said the planned investments are expected to transform the mining sector in Vihiga and create new economic opportunities for residents if properly regulated and implemented.
