The government has launched and operationalised the artisanal mining committee for West Pokot County to help fight illegal mining operations.
Speaking during the launch of the committee in Kapenguria town, Director of Mines in the State Department for Mining Gregory Kituki stated that the committee serves as an advisory body to the representative of the director of mines on permit grant, renewal and revocation at the county level.
He expressed his satisfaction with the operationalization of the committee, stating that it will contribute to economic growth and help combat illegal mining activities in the region, which are prevalent in the County.
“The establishment of the artisanal committee also aims to create employment opportunities,’’ Kituku said.
Kituku stressed launch of artisan mining committee was part of the Ministry’s efforts to formalize artisanal mining cooperatives.
“Currently, the Ministry has registered 250 artisanal mining cooperatives nationwide and has gazetted 28 artisanal mining committees,’’ he disclosed.
The director highlighted the abundance of minerals in West Pokot County and predicted significant growth in the mining sector in the coming years.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Mining has introduced minerals movement permits to curb illegal mining.
“Any lorry found transporting minerals without the required permit will be impounded and the owner prosecuted,’’ Kituku said.
To improve accessibility to mining services, he said the ministry has established eight regional mining laboratories, reducing the need for people to travel to Nairobi for assistance.
Additionally, he said the Ministry has increased its staff and deployed them to the counties to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Kituku mentioned that the Ministry has conducted an aerial survey in the county and across the country.
‘‘Currently, geologists are conducting ground to confirm the presence of identified minerals in the county,’’ he stated.
Kituku also highlighted the Ministry’s success in attracting investors both at the headquarters in Nairobi and the county government.
West Pokot County Deputy Governor (DG) Robert Komolle expressed his gratitude towards the national government for decentralising the process of issuing mining licenses to regional level.
He highlighted the presence of a director and an artisanal mining committee, chaired by an appointee of the governor, as significant developments.
DG Komolle stressed the significance of overseeing mining operations in West Pokot County, highlighting the occurrences of unauthorised mining activities in the region.
He commended the government for allowing small-scale mining operations under the supervision of the artisanal mining committee.
Furthermore, he appreciated the Ministry of Mining for appointing members to the committee.
DG Komolle affirmed the county government’s dedication to collaborating with the Ministry to ensure compliance with mining regulations.
He stressed the potential benefits for the county, including royalties from mining activities.
“By adhering to the regulations, the county stands to gain a significant portion of the revenue generated, with a percentage allocated to the community,” DG Komolle said.
DG Komolle also highlighted the county’s aim to increase revenue through mining activities, viewing royalties as a key revenue stream.
He urged various departments to work closely with the artisanal mining committee to facilitate the licensing process and oversee permit issuance, revocation, and renewal effectively.
By Anthony Melly and Agneta Chebet
