National

New mining police unit begins operations

Mining CS Salim Mvurya announced the operationalization of the unit. (X/Salim Mvurya)

By Barack Oduor | Friday, March 15, 2024

Mvurya said the country has the potential to be among the top mineral-producing countries in the world but its potential has never fully been exploited.

The newly created police unit at the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs has started its operations after getting facilitation from the government.

The unit that was created as a result of the new mining reforms immediately after the lifting of the moratorium on mining is mandated to protect the country's mineral resources and also crack down on illegal mining and smuggling.

Keep reading

Mining CS Salim Mvurya has announced the operationalization of the unit, explaining that they have been equipped with vehicles and other resources to ensure they hit the ground running.

"Because the cabinet approved the creation of the new police unit for the mining ministry, the officers have reported, and they will move to the ground to help us curb illegal mining and smuggling," said Mvurya.

The CS said the country has lost a lot of revenue through illegal mining and smuggling, which has forced it to put tough measures in place, especially after lifting the moratorium on mining to curb revenue loss.

Mvurya said the country has the potential to be among the top mineral-producing countries in the world but its potential has never fully been exploited.

While flagging off new vehicles that will facilitate operations in the ministry and the newly created police wing, he revealed that President William Ruto has directed the ministry to ensure that it has reliable mining data.

The vehicles were launched at Madini House in Industrial Area in Nairobi where the CS was accompanied by other top ministry officials.

"We are currently doing ground truthing to ensure that we have a report on mineral status in the country as directed by the president," said Mvurya.

The report on the exercise being carried out on mineral distribution and availability in the country should be available by June this year, according to the cabinet secretary.

He also reiterated that the vehicles sent to county offices across the country will be a big relief since there has been immense logistical challenges

"We have launched the first fleet of 18 vehicles for officers countrywide for the State Department of Mining to help them carry out their duties smoothly without hindrance so that we can realise our goals," added Mvurya.

The ministry is also set to launch training, targeting artisanal miners across the country next week.

"We want to work with every stakeholder in this sector so that we generate income for our sector. We will work with county security teams to fight illegal mining," said Mvurya.