970 Minerals identified across Kenya
A total of 970 mineral occurrences have been identified across Kenya. Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Salim Mvurya made the announcement and said the results come from nationwide airborne geophysical survey conducted in the country.
The survey aims to have geological data of sufficient quality and resolution to attract inwards investments by mineral exploration and mining companies.
“We shall commence ground truthing which includes officers visiting the 15 counties for confirmation of the minerals. The exercise is expected to end in April before proceeding to other counties. The companies will ideally use the preliminary data to undertake site-scale local mineral investigations to further develop the prospectively analysis of an area,” said CS Mvurya.
Shares
Mvurya also said the government has established County and Regional mining offices in 18 counties, where mining activities are concentrated, of which they are expected to provide a linkage with the counties. The National govt will receive a 70% share of the mineral royalties while County govt and communities to receive 20 and 30% respectively.
The government is also in the process of reviving the functioning of the artisanal mining committees in various counties who play the role of issuing permits and functionalizing mining activities at their local level.
“With regard to the 10 percent share to communities, the ministry constituted a taskforce that is set to develop the regulations by the end of March 2023.Counties will be engaged for their comments on the Draft regulations before they are adopted. The mining sector, if well managed and properly regulated will create jobs, expand the tax base, improve Kenya’s foreign exchange balance and contribute effectively to inclusive growth which is in line with the Kenya Kwanza transformative agenda,” said Mvurya.
