Kenya forms special police unit to address illegal mining
The government of Kenya has established a special police unit to combat illegal mining activities. Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya made the announcement and said the unit will focus on pursuing firms operating without proper documentation and those involved in the smuggling of minerals.
“To enhance compliance, a special police unit shall be seconded to the State Department for Mining by the National Police Service. Enforcement has been beefed up through the regional mining offices. The ministry is setting up an enforcement team in collaboration with other government agencies in fighting the vice,” said CS Mvurya.
Mining sector in Kenya
Kenya’s mining sector is estimated to have the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economy, with a potential earnings estimate of US $6.6 billion or 10 percent of GDP. The mining sector in Kenya faced challenges such as the moratorium on prospecting licenses, limited productivity, and the under-exploitation of significant mineral deposits, including copper, niobium, manganese, and rare earth minerals.
The Ministry of Mining conducted a comprehensive audit of all mineral rights holders, resulting in the revocation of approximately 1,546 licenses. Prospect and exploration activities for strategic minerals like uranium and cobalt will be approved on a case-by-case basis, guided by Mining (Strategic Minerals) Regulations, 2017.
The government has also implemented an online mining cadastre to enhance transparency and accountability in the process of awarding licenses and permits.
