Kenya to begin gold mining in Busia County
The national government of Kenya has announced that gold mining activities will soon commence in the Alupe area of Teso South Sub County, Busia County. Principal Secretary for the State Department for Mining, Harry Kimtai, revealed that a company has already been identified and awarded mineral rights to begin extraction operations.
Speaking in Samia Sub County on Sunday, PS Kimtai said the move marks a significant step toward harnessing local mineral resources for economic development.
“The time has come for us to begin tapping into our gold reserves so that our people can reap the benefits. A mining company has already been granted the rights, and we are ready to start operations,” he said.
Royalty structure
He detailed how proceeds from the gold sales would be distributed under the current royalty structure: 70% will go to the national government, 20% to the county government, and 10% to the local community. Additionally, 1% of total gross sales will be allocated toward community development initiatives.
“There will also be a designated area where members of the public can engage in artisanal mining,” Kimtai added.
Addressing long-standing concerns, the PS assured residents that the government is taking steps to protect Kenya’s mineral resources from cross-border exploitation. “I will dispatch a team from the ministry to assess and address claims that our gold is being extracted illegally by neighboring countries. We must safeguard our natural resources,” he stated.
Kimtai called on locals to rally behind government efforts aimed at uplifting communities. “From the rollout of the Social Health Authority to education and infrastructure development, the government has good intentions for its people. We need your support to succeed,” he emphasized.
Echoing the PS’s sentiments, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma stressed the importance of collaboration with the national government in driving development.
“We are witnessing transformative projects—from road construction to agriculture and education. The ring road from Matayos to Sio Port is already advertised, Bumbe Technical Training Institute has been elevated to a national polytechnic, and a major EPZ project is underway in Nasewa. All these initiatives are geared toward improving the lives of our people,” Governor Otuoma said.
