Kenya to enhance mineral testing
The government of Kenya has disclosed plans to boost mineral testing and sampling capabilities. Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya revealed the plans during the Updating of the 13th Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining on Progress in the Mining Sector Retreat, held at The Marina English Point in Mombasa,
The CS said the boost will be made possible through upgrading laboratories nationwide to elevate Kenya’s minerals to international certification standards. This initiative includes decentralizing laboratory services across the country to ensure widespread accessibility and establishing nine new laboratories.
Mvurya also announced that the tendering process for these projects has been completed, and construction is set to begin soon. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing mineral testing procedures to fortify Kenya’s mining sector infrastructure and facilitate sustainable growth.
Mining in Kenya
The nine laboratories will be strategically distributed across several counties, including Embu, Kwale, Kilifi, Busia, Kakamega, Isiolo, and Marsabit, aiming to provide equal support to historically underserved areas in the mining sector. This infrastructure development aims to enhance local capacity, foster economic development, and promote sustainable resource management.
Additionally, CS Mvurya noted that since the enactment of the Mining Act in 2016, there had been no distribution of mineral royalties until now. However, a framework has been established, resulting in the release of 2.9 billion Kenyan Shillings to 32 counties, representing an accumulation from 2016 to date. Moving forward, there will be consistency in sharing mineral royalties, with 20% going to the national government and 10% to local communities.
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. According to the CS, strategic minerals currently attracting investors, include coal tan, copper, nickel, lithium, graphite, limestone, titanium, and base metals.
