Nairobi: Five people perished after a gold mine caved in on them in the Lolgorian area, within Transmara South, Narok County, Wednesday afternoon.
According to Kenya News Agency, Narok Police Commander Patrick Lobolia confirmed the incident, noting that it was believed some other miners were still trapped at the Kilima Pesa gold mine following the collapse. Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene to assist in the recovery mission, though challenging conditions impeded their progress.
Lobolia expressed concerns over the slow pace of the rescue mission, attributing it to the lack of specialized equipment necessary for safely accessing the underground tunnels. Despite these challenges, several survivors were rescued and transported to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.
The bodies of the five victims were taken to Lolgorian Sub-county Hospital’s mortuary, where they await postmortem, formal identification, and eventual release to their families for burial. This incident follows a similar tragedy in the same area on February 12, where two miners aged 27 and 25 lost their lives after an underground tunnel at an abandoned mining site collapsed.
In response to a series of mining accidents, the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs initiated nationwide consultations on the draft Mine Health, Safety, and Environment Regulations to replace the repealed Mining Act (Cap. 306). The proposed regulations aim to enhance safety standards through rigorous machinery inspections, proper underground ventilation, and stricter health and safety measures.
The draft document mandates that every mining operation appoint a qualified mine manager with a degree in mining engineering, civil engineering, or geology. It also stresses the mandatory use of personal protective equipment for all workers. Kenya’s gold deposits have attracted many miners who rely on the activity for their livelihoods.
