Marsabit residents demand reopening of Hillo gold mines amid hunger and job loss

A year after the Hillo gold mines in Marsabit County were closed over safety concerns, residents are now calling for their reopening to revive the local economy.

During an extensive fact-finding mission by the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee, Moyale residents expressed concern that the continued closure of the mines has left many families struggling, as mining was their main source of income.

The Hillo gold mine sites were declared dangerous and disturbed on 3 September 2024, with the closure later extended in October 2024. The sites include Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee, and Hillo Godde Haroressa.

Gangs took over sites

Police had reported that gangs had taken over the sites, leading to the deaths of more than a dozen people.

Representatives of the six tribes of Moyale, including Sakuye, Borana, Gabra, Garre, Burji, and Kona, presented a united front before the Committee, advocating for the mines’ reopening.

Abdikadir Waqo, a resident, stated that artisanal miners should be licensed to enable locals, who are facing hunger due to the mine’s closure, to sustain their livelihoods. He also proposed establishing an additional camp and two police stations to safeguard both the mines and the community.

Mr Rashid, chairman of the Marsabit Artisanal Mining Cooperative Union, reiterated that reopening the sites would help locals improve livelihoods, boost economic growth, and generate significant revenue for the country.

Residents also raised concerns over exploitation by Rota System Limited, the investors at the site, arguing that proper public participation had not been conducted.

“We don’t want investors to come and suffocate and inconvenience our artisanal miners. We want an honest public participation on this matter done,” one elder said.

Continuous dialogue

In response, the committee, led by vice chairperson Dido Rasso, recommended that the area MP convene a committee of regional elders to sustain continuous dialogue, while the OCPD outlines immediate security measures required for the safe reopening of the mines. It further urged the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Mining to jointly determine the administrative, regulatory, and operational steps necessary for reopening the site.

Additionally, the Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) and District County Commissioner (DCC) were tasked with strengthening communication to ensure the community clearly understands the dos and don’ts surrounding mining activities and security protocols.

The legislators said they will meet with relevant stakeholders and later compile a comprehensive report for consideration by the House.

Earlier, the committee met with security officials led by ACC Jimmy Ochoka, who confirmed that officers stationed at the Hillo mines had maintained safety and order. He warned, however, that some residents continued to sneak into the sites, causing incidents that resulted in fatalities, and stressed the importance of controlled mining.

Other Topics To Read

• Northern Kenya
• Marsabit County
• Borana
• Hillo gold mines
• Gabra
• Moyale MP Guyo Waqo Jaldessa
• Marsabit Artisanal Mining Cooperative Union
• Sakuye
• Garre
• Burji
• Marsabit residents demand reopening of Hillo gold mines amid hunger and job loss
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Moyale MP Guyo Waqo Jaldessa emphasised that gold is a natural resource that must be protected. He said it remains a major source of trade for residents and insisted that no security issues justified the continued closure of the mines.

Following the engagement with residents, the committee is scheduled to tour the Hillo gold mines to assess the situation on the ground before finalising its recommendations.