NEMA has now raised concern over the large number of abandoned quarries in the expansive village.

The players have called on the government to expedite the licensing process for mining activities, warning that the industry is in jeopardy.

Fraser Institute's global annual survey of mining companies for 2023 also placed Kenya at position 46 on the global stage.

This is part of reforms to combat mineral smuggling through the region's busiest port.

CS Mvurya said the government came up with a well-formulated Royalty Fund Sharing Bill to allow the National Treasury to disburse the money smoothly.

Mvurya said plans to revitalise the once-neglected sector had proven fruitful, benefiting small-scale artisanal miners who previously received little...