Government orders closure of illegal gold mines in West Pokot after deadly accidents
Addressing journalists during a press briefing at his office in Kapenguria, Khalif said eight people have died in the past three months due to gold mining accidents.
The government has ordered the immediate closure of all illegal gold mining sites in West Pokot County following a rise in deadly accidents, including the recent death of a woman buried alive in Central Pokot.
County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi announced the decision and confirmed that a security team has already been deployed to enforce the shutdown and ensure that all illegal operations cease.
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Addressing journalists during a press briefing at his office in Kapenguria, Khalif said eight people have died in the past three months due to gold mining accidents.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday evening at Kampi Karaywa in Central Pokot Sub-County, where a woman was buried alive while mining. Two excavators were also buried at the same site.
He recalled that just last week, four people were killed and five others were seriously injured in another gold mining tragedy at Karon village in Turkwel.
According to him, these deaths are part of a worrying trend that necessitates immediate government intervention.
“There are more than 500 illegal mining sites in West Pokot, which will be shut down,” he said.
He listed the areas to be affected as Kampi Karaywa, Lami Nyeusi, Orwa, Sekerr, Ortum, Alale, Turkwel, Eut, Kopulio, Morita, Rumos (also known as County 48), Kacheliba Kiwawa, Kasei and several places along the Turkwel River.
Khalif stated that all miners must obtain licences from the relevant authorities before resuming any form of mining activity.
However, he clarified that artisanal miners who use basic tools such as spades, basins and hoes may continue operating, but only after securing the necessary permits.
“We have stopped the mining in which heavy machines are used,” he said, making it clear that mechanised operations are banned, while licensing for small-scale activities will be regulated within three months.
The county commissioner also warned that the uncontrolled mining activities have not only endangered lives but also caused serious environmental degradation, including pollution and ecological destruction along the Turkwel and Muruny rivers.
“The decision to close mining sites is a government directive following multi-agency consultation,” said Khalif, adding that the safety of residents and the environment cannot be compromised any further.
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