Kakamega County Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining for the construction of a gold refinery in the County.
The devolved unit handed over the title deed of a 10-acre parcel of land at Lidambitsa area, Idakho East Ward in Ikolomani Sub-county.
Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, issued the document to the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Petroleum and Mining, John Munyes in a brief ceremony held at Iguhu ground in the Sub- county on Monday.
“We can fast-track implementation of the projects in the region if we work closely with the National Government,” he said.
He added that the MoU outlined how the County, the National Government as well as the local community would benefit from the refinery.
The CS said the plant would target Artisanal miners who would be allowed to deliver their gold directly.
“This area is known for having significant gold deposits and by setting up a refinery, we will do away with exploitation of miners by middlemen,” he stated.
A recent survey conducted by Lakers Consultancy Limited, indicated that Kakamega County has a huge mining potential which is underexploited and unregulated.
The survey focused on various mineral resources, including granite, clay and murram.
By Sammy Mwibanda
