200 million in illegal minerals seized in Nairobi, Athi River raids
The raid, which took place across a residential estate and industrial area, led to the arrest of three foreign nationals and a Kenyan citizen.
Over Sh200 million worth of minerals were seized during a major operation targeting illegal dealers in Nairobi and Athi River.
The raid, which took place across a residential estate and industrial area, led to the arrest of three foreign nationals and a Kenyan citizen.
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During the raid which also by Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Joho was part of, law enforcement seized several sacks containing high-value minerals, including iron ore, copper, zinc, and lead.
Some of these minerals are essential in the manufacture of car batteries, adding to their significant market value.
"These minerals are high-value resources, and we are not getting anything from them. They've been evading taxes to the Kenya Revenue Authority and stealing from us," Joho said during an inspection of the confiscated minerals.
Also recovered was a spectrometer, a device used for detecting radioactive minerals, further highlighting the scale of the illegal operation.
New investigative arm
The raid comes just weeks after Joho launched a new investigative arm within the Ministry of Mining to combat illegal activities in the sector.
Since the launch of the Investigative arm of the Mining Police Unit comprising officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the crackdown on illegal miners and dealers has been intensified.
— Hassan Ali Joho, EGH. (@HassanAliJoho) January 24, 2025
Last evening the officers conducted a raid on a residential house in… pic.twitter.com/unG1B1c8el
The cabinet secretary reiterated that minerals in Kenya are a public resource, not just for today but for future generations.
"When minerals are stolen, they are gone for good. I want to ensure that we have teams in place to enforce the law. I also want to assure legitimate industry players that the ministry is here to offer support as long as you do the right thing," Joho said.
The CS also called on mining companies to engage more closely with local communities, ensuring they are paid their rightful dues and to work with county governments to ensure proper payment of royalties.
The raid follows the government's ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities. In April of last year, a special police unit, the Mining Police Unit, was deployed to address the rampant illegal exploration and extraction of minerals.
This unit, operating under the Inspectorate of Mines, is tasked with enforcing the law and ensuring compliance within the sector.
Under the Mining Act of 2016, illegal mining, exploration, and dealing in minerals are punishable by fines of up to Sh10 million, a jail term of up to two years, or both.
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