Northern Kenya

Artisanal miners in Turkana urged to form cooperative societies for growth

Artisanal miners at Nagatei in Turkana South sensitised on benefits of forming cooperative society. (Handout)

By Issa Hussein | Saturday, June 22, 2024

Areman Elim, the County Deputy Director for Mineral Resources, assured miners that the county government would empower them with the necessary skills, technical assistance, and financial support.

Officials from the national and county governments encouraged artisanal miners in Turkana County to join cooperative societies to enhance their enterprise activities.

During a sensitisation exercise at Nagatei gold mines in Lokichar ward of Turkana South, miners were informed of the benefits of joining cooperative societies.

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Nahashon Cheboi, the Turkana County Regional Minerals Officer, stated that the national government was working closely with the county government to empower artisanal miners. He emphasised the potential benefits of joining cooperative societies, which would improve their bargaining power and access to financial institutions.

"You need funding from banks and other agencies that will finance your bid to procure modern tools to grow your business enterprises," he urged.

Areman Elim, the County Deputy Director for Mineral Resources, assured miners that the county government would empower them with the necessary skills, technical assistance, and financial support.

"We recognise the important role you are undertaking to boost the local economy, and our department is here to offer you the necessary support you deserve," he said.

Francis Abongo, the County Assistant Director for Cooperatives and Audits Services, educated the local miners on the procedures and eligibility requirements for forming a cooperative society and how to join an existing one. He explained the benefits of cooperative membership, which include access to funding from state and non-state actors.

Allan Ekamais from Lopurukou village, speaking on behalf of the artisanal miners, voiced support for the initiative. He said the miners had been working individually, facing challenges of exploitation, lack of support, and skills to help them grow their mining enterprises. He expressed hope that the cooperative society would help them excel in the mining sector.