CS Joho calls for formation of special police unit to curb illegal mining
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Joho pointed out that the lack of enforcement is costing the government billions of shillings in lost taxes.
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, has called for the establishment of a special police unit to combat illegal mining activities in Kenya.
Speaking to members of the National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining in Mombasa last week, Joho highlighted the significant challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing illegal mining, which is resulting in substantial revenue losses for the government.
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Joho pointed out that the lack of enforcement is costing the government billions of shillings in lost taxes.
He emphasised the urgent need for increased police presence to curb the smuggling of minerals, stating, “The government has banned exportation of raw copper ore. We need to separate minerals before export, but that needs to be done under close supervision.”
In addition to advocating for enhanced enforcement, the Cabinet Secretary urged miners to comply with the Mining Regulations 2024 and ensure timely payment of their royalties. He referenced a troubling case in Taita-Taveta, where a company reportedly went over a decade without paying any royalties. “They have to adhere to the directive,” he said.
Joho also shared encouraging news regarding the mineral export sector, noting a 5.9 percent growth in revenue, amounting to $471 million (Sh60.6 billion) for the Financial Year 2022-2023.
Revenue from royalties increased dramatically, from Sh1.6 billion in 2019 to Sh3.7 billion by June 2023.
During the session, lawmakers expressed concerns over declining budget allocations for the Ministry of Mining. Committee chairman David Gikaria, the Nakuru East MP, expressed confusion over the reduction of the ministry's budget from approximately Sh2 billion to about Sh979 million over the past three years.
“We shall present the concerns to the Budget and Appropriations Committee,” he said.
Joho called on Members of Parliament to collaborate on developing a comprehensive policy framework aimed at enhancing the mining sector's contributions to Kenya's economy.
Addressing the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining on Tuesday, Joho underscored the importance of working together to ensure the sector benefits all Kenyans.
The Cabinet Secretary outlined several government strategies designed to ensure that the mining industry remains advantageous to the local population while enforcing compliance with licensing laws among investors.
“Hon. Members, I am under your purview as a Committee of the National Assembly. I am here to seek your support so that my Ministry can get adequate resources and a sound framework to accelerate the growth of the mining sector,” he stated.
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