Kenya hosts Nyanza Gold Summit
Kenya’s gold mining sector is receiving renewed attention as the inaugural Nyanza Gold Summit gets underway in Migori County, aiming to drive investment, sustainability, and formalisation in one of the country’s most mineral-rich regions.
Organised by the Kenya Chamber of Mines in partnership with the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, the three-day event, running from July 14 to 16 at Vannah Hotel, brings together over 350 stakeholders, including artisanal and large-scale miners, financiers, off-takers, policy makers, and development partners.
Nyanza Gold Summit
The summit seeks to create synergies between small-scale artisanal miners (ASM) and larger operators, while promoting access to finance, ethical mining practices, and the uptake of modern technologies. Delegates will participate in high-level discussions, exhibitions, and a field visit to artisanal mining sites to better understand challenges and opportunities on the ground.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi reiterated the government’s commitment to formalising artisanal mining. “We want to see a mining sector that is inclusive, well-regulated, and contributes meaningfully to local economies. This summit marks a step in that direction,” he said.
Key themes dominating this year’s event include sustainable gold sourcing, coexistence between ASM and large-scale mining (LSM), traceability, and investment facilitation. A major focus is also being placed on creating structured market access for small-scale miners through cooperatives and offtake agreements.
Exhibitors at the summit include mining equipment suppliers, financial institutions, and NGOs offering services across the mining value chain. A mine tour scheduled for July 16 will give participants hands-on exposure to artisanal gold mining operations in Migori, highlighting both best practices and areas in need of intervention.
According to Kenya Chamber of Mines CEO Moses Njeru, the summit presents a critical opportunity to “bridge long-standing gaps in the sector” and unlock its potential to create jobs and generate revenue. “We are laying the foundation for a new chapter in Kenya’s gold industry one that is responsible, inclusive, and investment-ready,” he said.
Participant passes were priced affordably to encourage wide attendance, with subsidised rates for community groups. Sponsorship packages offered branding and exhibition opportunities for corporates, with mine tour access included for institutional participants.
The summit is expected to conclude with a set of policy recommendations and partnership frameworks aimed at strengthening Kenya’s mining ecosystem, particularly in the gold-rich counties of Migori, Kakamega, and Narok.
