West Pokot: The government has mandated the immediate suspension of all gold mining activities in West Pokot County, citing a series of fatal incidents and severe environmental damage. West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif announced this decision, attributing it to the increasing fatalities and rampant environmental degradation resulting from unregulated mining operations.
According to Kenya News Agency, Commissioner Khalif addressed the media in Kapenguria alongside a multi-agency team from the region before proceeding to ensure compliance with the directive. Khalif reported that illegal mining activities have resulted in seven deaths over the past three months, including a recent fatality over the weekend when a woman was killed and two excavators were buried in quarry debris. He emphasized that these unregulated activities not only threaten human lives but also contaminate local water bodies, endangering both the community and livestock.
Commissioner Khalif stated that the authorities are collaborating with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and have agreed to close down more than 500 mining sites in the area. He stressed that Article 42 of the Constitution grants every person the right to a safe and clean environment, yet the waters of River Turkwel and other nearby bodies are currently unsuitable for domestic use.
To better regulate the mining sector and improve access to government services, the West Pokot County Government has established a local mining office. Previously, residents had to travel to Eldoret for such services. The new office aims to assist artisanal miners in obtaining necessary permits and technical guidance while curbing illegal activities. Khalif noted that no gold mining licenses have been issued by the Office of the Mining and the Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary and warned that unlicensed mining operations are illegal and must cease immediately.
Khalif also highlighted that the rise of illegal mines has disrupted education in schools near mining sites, leading to increased school dropouts and early marriages. He pointed out that noise, dust, and insecurity have created an unsuitable learning environment, with some children leaving school due to the income generated from mining activities.
Although large-scale mechanized operations will no longer be allowed, Khalif clarified that the government would permit regulated artisanal mining. Miners have been given a three-month grace period to comply with the Mining Act. Assistant County Mining Officer Isaac Songol explained that artisanal miners use hand tools and the government will support them to ensure safe and legal mining practices.
Khalif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating the hazards posed by illegal mining. Reports from over 500 mining sites indicate that areas in Pokot Central, Pokot North, Kacheliba, and Kipkomo have been exposed to air and sound pollution. He urged those interested in gold mining to consult the recently opened County Mining Office in Kapenguria for licensing and adherence to the Mining Act.
The county prepares for stricter enforcement of mining regulations, as authorities swiftly implement the directive in the mineral-rich region. Khalif emphasized that adherence to the Mining Act benefits all stakeholders, with 70 percent of total revenue going to the national government, while 20 percent and 10 percent are allocated to the county government and local community, respectively.
