Interior and National Government Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has called for establishment of a multi-agency committee to oversee the mining activities at Bumutiru gold mines in Butula Sub County.
Speaking during a visit to the site on Wednesday, Prof Kindiki said that the Committee will be supervised by the Western regional commissioner but Busia County commissioner in consultation with the governor will take charge of the daily activities at the mining site.
“In that committee, there must be NEMA, Department of labour, children’s department, mines and geology and the local leadership of the miners,” he said.
He directed the committee to generate an environmental and social impact assessment report on the viability and sustainability of gold mining at the site and submit the findings to his office within 30 days.
“If the report will be showing grave danger, I’ll come back and share the findings and we shall make a collective decision, but if the two levels of government can put in place safety measures, then we shall continue,” he said.
The CS said that the government is committed to ensure that all its citizens carry out their economic activities in a safe and secure environment.
Prof Kindiki noted that stakeholders at the mining site had not applied for the relevant licenses for their operations.
“All mining activities within the republic of Kenya must be carried out by people who have licenses from the Department of geology and mines to make sure that they know who is working here, how they are treating their workers, and the methods they are using to mine to make sure that public security is guaranteed,” he said.
He added that there was need to put measures in place to ensure that no lives are lost in the open areas left after gold excavation.
“There are also security threats because this activity has attracted people from various areas including Uganda and Tanzania,” he said adding that those operating at the mine should have legal documents.
The CS disclosed that the government will soon advertise new regulations and a list of registered gold miners to ensure that there is order in the mining industry.
Prof Kindiki noted that a section of children had abandoned school and were engaging in mining activities at the site.
“I want to say that every child from zero to 18 years must be in school,” he said warning that parents whose children are found engaging in mining activities risked being arrested.
He further directed chiefs and assistant chiefs to ensure that all children are in school or they be held responsible.
The CS explained to the locals that the government wants to engage in preventive security as opposed to corrective security by taking measures that ensure that the public is safe and secure.
By Salome Alwanda
