Kenya suspends mining activities in Siaya County
Kenya through Siaya County Commissioner Jimm Njoka has ordered suspension of all artisanal gold mining activities in Siaya County. The move is driven by concerns about the risks posed by the El-Nino rains. The commissioner explained that rains are expected to continue until late December and that they could bring about imminent dangers.
Weather challenges
Mining activities are to be temporarily stopped until the El-Nino rains subside. National Government Administration officers have been directed to ensure that this directive is strictly adhered to. Mr. Njoka also urged residents living in flood-prone areas to consider relocating to safer grounds. He stressed the importance of taking responsibility to protect their families from the possible effects of the ongoing El-Nino rains.
The County Commissioner assured the public of the commitment of the county disaster management committee to ensure the safety of everyone during the El-Nino rains season. Commissioner Njoka acknowledged that the decision to suspend mining activities might face criticism from local leaders. However, he emphasized that their primary concern is to protect the lives of the residents.
Mining in Kenya yields high-grade quantities of gold, copper, ilmenite and tantalum. Kenya is also an important source of non-metallic minerals including soda ash, limestone, salt, niobium, fluorspar and fossil fuels.  The mining sector currently contributes less than 1% of Kenya’s GDP but has potential capacity to contribute 4% to 10%. This means that much of Kenya’s natural resource wealth is yet to be exploited and there could be significant opportunity for growth.
