Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya said the government is keen to modernize artisanal Mining activities in the country for safety and benefit of the small and medium players.
Speaking at the Migori County Commissioner’s Office during a courtesy call, the CS noted that the state will work with all leaders and artisanal miners to come up with sound reforms to make the sector profitable.
He disclosed that between now and June, his office will make workable engagements with Mining stake holders in regions active in mineral extractions to offer players expertise through trainings and equipment to ease their operations.
“We are also Keen to promote cooperative movements in such areas by registering all the miners with cooperative societies (SACCOs) to help them manage well their finances for future development,” noted the CS who was received by the Suna East Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Benson Karani.
He underscored that Migori County has a reach history in mining since the days of the colonial rule but regretted that to date the local people cannot account for the benefits earned out of the business.
Mr. Mvuriya said that despite mining being done in macalder and parts of the County as the main economic mainstay, income indicators of the artisanal miners still remain very low due to the fact that the activity is done traditionally with low class tools.
This is why we pushing for the se tor to be fully modernized with high class expertise and modern equipment to avoid unnecessary fatal accidents, added the CS.
In the past years, many lives have been lost in the many mining pits dotting the county from Nyatike Constituency to Kuria West, Kuria East and to Suna West, Awendo Constituencies and to Kamagambo in Rongo Sub-County due to poor ways of extractions.
The gold-rich Osiri Matanda mines has in the past years led with mining accidents where up to 20 deaths have been recorded in a span of three years from 2020.
The one-day visit of the region by CS Mvurya will see him tour several mining points in the County and hold meetings with miners and leaders led by area Governor Ochilo Ayacko.
By George Agimba
