State bans quarrying activities in Malindi village after death of three people
Three people, a man aged 39, his 34-year-old wife, and another woman aged 38, lost their lives while mining fine ballast when the quarry collapsed on them.
Quarrying activities in Kokotoni village, Malindi Sub-County, Kilifi County have been banned following a tragic incident that left three people dead.
The decision was announced by Kenya Roads Board Chairperson Aisha Jumwa, who visited the scene where a quarry wall caved in during heavy rains.
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She said the ban will be strictly enforced in collaboration with both national and county government officials.
“All leaders, the County Commissioner, DCC, chiefs, and other security agencies will remain alert. Anyone who tries to defy the order will be arrested,” Jumwa stated.
She assured locals that the government is aware that many families rely on quarrying for survival and said plans are underway to support them.
“We are working on immediate measures to provide food and other essential support to the affected households,” she added.
The incident happened on Thursday evening at a quarry in the Muyeye area. According to police reports, three people, a man aged 39, his 34-year-old wife, and another woman aged 38, lost their lives while mining fine ballast when the quarry collapsed on them.
Malindi residents mill around a quarry that collapsed at Muyeye area in Kilifi County on May 8, 2025. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
A fourth person, Paula Katana, an elderly woman, was pulled out alive but sustained serious injuries, including fractures on her arms, legs, and head.
She was first rushed to Malindi Sub-County Hospital before being referred to Kilifi County Referral Hospital, where she is currently recovering.
Malindi Deputy County Commissioner David Lusava confirmed that all victims were working inside the quarry tunnel when it gave in, triggered by heavy rainfall.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro announced that his administration will cover all medical bills for the injured survivor and cater for funeral expenses for the deceased. He also promised to assist the affected families with food and other donations.
“As a county government, we are taking full responsibility. We will compensate the victims’ families and continue sensitising locals on the dangers of illegal quarrying,” said Mung’aro.
Katana Thoya, one of the workers who was inside the quarry during the collapse, narrated how the tragedy unfolded.
“There were four of us in the tunnel doing our work when the front part collapsed due to the rain. As we tried to escape, we got trapped,” she said.
The incident has sparked fresh calls for improved safety measures and stricter regulation of quarry operations in the region.
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