In the blistering midday heat of Naduat in Turkana West sub-county, a hazy mirage shrouds the distance ridges like a smoky gauze. Invisible gusts of heated air blow across the landscape dotted by squat acacia trees and other heat-resilient vegetation. Scattered around are dozens of rounded mud huts that sit serenely on the ground, impervious to the torrid heat.
To a new eye, the aridity, the sweltering temperatures and the rocky terrain that extend to the horizons belong to an inhospitable universe that is both antagonistic to economic progress and abhor social development. Coupled with the chill-inducing tales of banditry incidences, the common misconception of Turkana as a region hostile to profitable investments takes shape.
However, nothing can be further from the truth. The County Director of Mineral Resource Mr. Stanley Loter says the initial appearance of the region is a nature’s camouflage that conceals the vast economic opportunities the land harbours. He adds that the resource endowments Turkana County possesses dwarfs all other natural resources; a fact that qualifies Turkana to be termed as a sleeping mining giant.
“This land appearance and the environment are easily deceptive. This is a virgin treasure trove that contains the key to our economic and social transformation take off,” says Loter.
His sentiments have solid merit. Occupying a land size of 68,000 square kilometers, Turkana County is the second largest devolved unit in Kenya after Marsabit. While the local vibrant culture characterized by spectacular communal dances, the breathtaking colorful traditional regalia and the iconic desert lake have been used as symbols of Turkana’s people enduring pride and identity, the real magic bullet carrying the promise of total economic transformation lies below the scorched surface.
As a literal goldmine, Turkana is home to huge deposits of Kenya’s most rare and precious minerals. There are precious, construction and strategic minerals; a mix that paints a solid tapestry of a marginalized region with mineral potential to generate hundreds of millions in revenue.
The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya notes the mineral resource in Turkana County could trigger unprecedented growth in the region enabled by an enabling environment and favorable regulatory framework to support sustainable exploitation.
While leading a high-powered delegation to Turkana to evaluate opportunities for collaboration, the CS said Turkana residents stood to benefit immensely from the mineral resource when the two governments collaborate to create efficiencies in licensing and enforcement to rid the region of illegal operations.
“We are keen to work with the county to exploit the potential in both the mining and blue economy. With the Artisanal Mining Committee in place to issue licenses, we can equally monitor operations to have investors pay royalties for distribution to residents,” explained the CS.
All three Principal Secretaries (PSs) under the Ministry including Elijah Mwangi (Mining), Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy) and Geoffrey Kaituko for Maritime Affairs were present during the visit.
Traditionally known for her livestock and fisheries industry, the county’s new focus on strategies to promote exploitation of minerals is poised to open additional revenue streams to trigger a new wave of growth to support development of the region.
Already, the presence of over 21 high-value minerals has been confirmed. They range from construction minerals; asbestos, silica, gypsum to precious stones; rubies, sapphires and garnets and to strategic minerals like chromite, coltan. Turkana also has radioactive elements including samarskite and pitchblende that fall under uranium class.
The chair of Turkana County Artisanal Miners Mr. Joseph Ekiru says mineral occurrences have been reported across the county by artisanal miners. He adds the benefits from full mineral exploitation would eclipse other sectors and make mining the main factor driving Turkana’s economy.
“This mineral giant is awakening. The minerals will become the ultimate game changer for growth and progress for this county,” he said.
Mineral data indicates extensive distribution cutting across Turkana with areas like Nadapal and Lokitang reporting gold deposits that have attracted hundreds of artisanal miners. Geologically, a major gold belt runs through Kainuk towards the South in the mining fields of Nakwamoru, Maruputh and Loima.
Additional deposits of blue sapphires are in Kaeris and Malpus areas while red and green garnets are found in Kaputirr. This area also has graphite; a high-value mineral used in refractory and manufacturing of batteries. The southern part is home to several strategic minerals like copper, chromite and rare elements. Deposits of radioactive minerals namely samarskite, monazite, pitchblende and euxenite have also been discovered.
Turkana has 33 self-help groups, two cooperative societies and two Community-Based Organizations boasting a registered membership of 400 artisanal miners. With the number expected to grow exponentially, the artisanal mining sector is expected to play a critical role in providing employment for locals and in mapping the existing minerals for exploitation.
Mining PS Elijah Mwangi says tapping in the extensive mineral resource would accelerate growth in the mining sector in the region.
“There is enormous potential in minerals to bring growth not only for Turkana but for Kenya and beyond. We want to exploit these minerals for the benefit of people and the community,” he said.
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai affirmed his desire to forge beneficial collaboration with state and investors to promote the mining sector. He says investors are key to spurring growth through payment of royalties.
“We want partnerships to promote our goals. As we search for investors for our resource, we are pushing for eradicating illegal mining operations,” said the governor.
The collaboration between the national government and Turkana County will see the establishment of a Mineral Identification and Testing laboratory for artisanal miners. The County also has asked for construction of a Gemstone Center to promote gemstone trade. If built, it will be the second such facility in Kenya after the commissioning of Voi Gemstone, Value Addition and Marketing Center by the president in October 2023.
By Wagema Mwangi
