CS Hassan Joho orders immediate closure of Simba Cement's mining operations in Kaloleni

CS Hassan Joho orders immediate closure of Simba Cement's mining operations in Kaloleni

Governor Gideon Mung’aro condemned the company’s operations, accusing Simba Cement of failing to contribute meaningfully to the county’s development and flouting essential legal requirements.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro have ordered the immediate closure of Simba Cement’s mining operations in Kaloleni, citing serious environmental concerns and non-compliance with regulatory procedures.

The directive was issued during an inspection tour of the mining site in Kambe Ribe, Rabai Sub-county, where the two leaders faulted the company for breaching environmental safety standards and neglecting its obligations to the local community.

Governor Mung’aro condemned Simba Cement’s operations, accusing the company of failing to contribute meaningfully to the county’s development and flouting essential legal requirements.

“I am disappointed by what I have heard. If there is any company that has failed to support Kilifi, it is Simba Cement. As of today, their operations are closed,” said Mung’aro.

The governor also called for the dissolution of the local committee responsible for monitoring the mining project, accusing its members of colluding with the investor at the expense of residents’ interests.

He instructed county environment officers to issue a formal notice to cease operations with immediate effect.

CS Joho echoed the governor’s sentiments and directed Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimutai to supervise the establishment of a new, credible oversight committee to ensure compliance with all mining laws and environmental standards.

“We have listened carefully, and I am here for one reason. I came back to assess whether the agreements we made have been honoured. I have confirmed that many promises have not been fulfilled. The first step to solving these problems is forming the right committee. If we get that right, the rest will fall into place,” said Joho.

The move has been welcomed by residents and environmental advocates who have long raised concerns over dust pollution, land degradation, and a lack of community benefit from the cement factory’s operations.

The shutdown marks a significant escalation in efforts by local and national leaders to hold mining firms accountable and ensure sustainable resource exploitation aligned with community interests and environmental protection.

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