A section of leaders and elders in Garissa are calling on the government to lift the ban on gypsum mining in the county, imposed a year ago, following increased insecurity in the mines.
Led by the former parliamentary aspirant for Balambala constituency, Mohamed Aress, they said gypsum mining has contributed significantly to local and national tax revenues, funding critical public services and infrastructure projects, and that the government should set up policies to allow the companies to resume operations.
The leaders are also calling on the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Mining Hassan Joho, to come up with a plan to value-add gypsum in the coast and north-eastern regions.
“Our communities used to benefit from the mining companies, especially through the employment of our young people, food and water supply during drought seasons, the building of madrasas, and even paying for teachers in these areas,” Aress said.
“We do not see any correlation between insecurity in Garissa town and mining activities in the interior parts of the county, like Balambala, Korakora, and Alinjugur. Insecurity should not be used to curtail genuine companies from carrying out mining activities that are benefiting hundreds of our people,” he added.
They also called on the government to deter illegal miners who do not have permits or trading licenses from conducting any mining activity in the county, alleging that they are the primary source of insecurity in the mining sector.
“By reinstating gypsum mining, the mining companies aim to restore economic vitality, support sustainable development, and ensure the well-being of our pastoralist population. The decision reflects our commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with economic prosperity, safeguarding both natural resources and livelihoods,” he said.
Mining activities in Garissa were banned in August last year by the Regional Security Committee and the County Government following clashes at the sites, which led to the deaths of at least nine people in separate incidents.
By Erick Kyalo
