Kenya launches artisanal mining committee in West Pokot

The government of Kenya has and operationalized the artisanal mining committee for West Pokot County. Director of Mines in the State Department for Mining, Gregory Kituki, said the move aims to curb illegal mining in the area.

The launch of this committee aligns with the Ministry’s broader efforts to formalize artisanal mining cooperatives, with 250 such cooperatives registered nationwide and 28 artisanal mining committees gazetted.

The committee has been tasked with being an advisory body for permit grants, renewals, and revocations at the county level. He expressed satisfaction with the committee’s operationalization, highlighting its role in economic growth and combating illegal mining activities in the region.

Kituki expressed satisfaction with the committee’s establishment, citing its potential to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities while addressing illegal mining activities prevalent in the county.

Movement permits,

Kituki highlighted the mineral wealth of West Pokot County and predicted significant growth in the mining sector. To curb illegal mining, the Ministry has introduced mineral movement permits, warning that any lorry transporting minerals without the required permit will be impounded, and the owner prosecuted.

The Ministry has also improved accessibility to mining services by establishing eight regional mining laboratories, reducing the need for travel to Nairobi. Additionally, it has increased staffing levels and deployed personnel to counties to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. An aerial survey conducted across the county and country identified mineral presence, which geologists are now confirming on the ground.

Kituki noted the Ministry’s success in attracting investors both at the national headquarters in Nairobi and at the county government level. West Pokot County Deputy Governor (DG) Robert Komolle expressed gratitude to the national government for decentralizing the mining license issuance process to the regional level. He commended the establishment of a director and an artisanal mining committee, chaired by a gubernatorial appointee, as crucial steps forward.

DG Komolle highlighted the significance of overseeing mining operations in West Pokot County and praised the government for allowing small-scale mining under the committee’s supervision. He affirmed the county government’s commitment to working with the Ministry to ensure compliance with mining regulations, which he believes will yield significant benefits, including royalties from mining activities.

Komolle emphasized that by adhering to regulations, the county stands to gain a considerable share of the revenue generated, with a portion allocated to the community. He also pointed out the county’s goal to increase revenue through mining activities, viewing royalties as a key revenue stream. He urged various departments to collaborate closely with the artisanal mining committee to facilitate the licensing process and effectively manage permit issuance, revocation, and renewal.