Kenya to support small scale mining
The government of Kenya has announced its commitment to supporting small-scale miners, particularly in the Nyanza region and across the country.
Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering economic growth through the mining sector. He strongly condemned the harassment of small-scale miners and vowed to take strict measures against any officials involved in such actions.
Mining safety
Joho assured that comprehensive strategies are being implemented to protect small-scale miners, highlighting the government’s crackdown on illegal mining activities and the unauthorized exportation of minerals. These practices have been significantly impacting the nation’s revenue, with smuggling of unprocessed minerals costing Kenya billions of shillings annually. To combat this, the government plans to deploy mining officers at strategic locations to curb the illegal smuggling of minerals.
In meetings with mining leaders from the Nyanza region, Joho discussed the enforcement of new directives and underscored the need for fair and consistent application of mining laws. Additionally, he reassured stakeholders that royalty payments within the mining sector will be expedited in line with legal requirements, reinforcing the government’s efforts to support and regulate the industry. These initiatives are viewed as essential in safeguarding the interests of small-scale miners and maximizing the benefits of Kenya’s mineral resources for national development.
Legal artisanal and small-scale mining contributed US$224 million to the Kenyan economy in 2022, representing over half of the country’s mining output. The sector employs roughly 250 000 miners, 40% of whom are women, and supports the livelihoods of over 800 000 people.
