State mulls proposal to allow mining in Kenyan parks and reserves

A taskforce has been established to gather opinions and suggestions to inform the creation of policies allowing mineral miners to operate within wildlife reserves in Taita Taveta County.

The initiative by the Governor of Taita Taveta County, Andrew Mwadime is set to guide the development of policies permitting mineral mining activities within wildlife reserves.

Governor Mwadime affirmed that his commitment to ensuring the local population benefits from the county's resources remains steadfast.

“The county government has introduced measures, including the establishment of the Taita Taveta Investment and Development Corporation, to foster a favourable climate for investors,” he said, noting the investors must comply with stipulated conditions, ensuring the local populace benefits from their operations.

The county boss stressed the need for the Ministry of Mining and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to prioritise the recruitment of residents when advertising job openings particularly since 62 per cent of the county's land is situated within the Tsavo Wildlife Reserve.

The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Salim Mvurya, highlighted the cooperation between his ministry and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, overseen by CS Alfred Mutua, in working towards these objectives.

Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya (Mining) and Alfred Mutua (Tourism and Wildlife) during the mining stakeholders meeting in Taita Taveta County on March 25, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

He stressed the importance of artisanal miners becoming members of cooperatives to streamline the process of obtaining mining licenses within these reserves.

“Approximately Sh2.9 billion has been allocated as royalties for counties engaged in mining activities,” said CS Mvurya.

He emphasised the significance of county administrations urging mining companies to secure licenses, noting that some counties miss out on rightful royalties because operators evade licensing, which is unlawful.

He described how his ministry is currently engaged in a nationwide study to identify various minerals, sorting them into categories such as construction materials and high-value investments.

The completion of this research is anticipated by June this year.

"We have established strong plans to ensure that Kenyans reap the benefits of their local resources. We have initiated steps to hire 368 more personnel, comprising geologists, technicians, and laboratory staff. Additionally, tenders have been issued for the construction of laboratories across the country to aid in evaluating the quality of extracted minerals," said CS Mvurya.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua expressed his intention to team up with the Ministry of Mining and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to facilitate mining activities within wildlife reserves.

He also affirmed plans to cooperate with the county government to enhance the tourism sector.