Migori: Alarm has been raised over the growing threat posed by goldmines to children and the state of security in Rachuonyo South Sub-County, Migori County. Local leaders have called for urgent action to protect children whom they said are flocking to goldmine sites in search of quick money. They said many children are dropping out of school to work in the mines, a worrying trend that could jeopardise the community’s future.
According to Kenya News Agency, apart from affecting children, the leaders noted that the mines have also become a security threat despite being a major source of livelihood for many families who depend on them for daily wages. During a Jukwaa la Usalama (Platform for Security) meeting, stakeholders observed that the mushrooming goldmines have led to the rise of informal settlements attracting people from all over Kenya and even beyond. Many of these newcomers are untraceable, raising safety and security concerns.
‘We fear that during accidents at the goldmine sites, some people die and are buried secretly without proper records,’ one participant said. Area Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Denis Kieti called for the protection of children at all costs and urged chiefs to promptly report any threats involving minors. He directed local administrators to hold public barazas to sensitise parents on monitoring their children, especially during the holiday season, and to report any suspicious activities in their areas.
‘The issues you have raised are weighty, particularly those concerning goldmines in Kokech and Kowidi locations. We will take Jukwaa la Usalama right to the ground to engage residents directly,’ the DCC stated. Jukwaa la Usalama is a community-based initiative under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). It promotes structured dialogue between citizens and security agencies to address local safety challenges, foster trust, improve coordination, and find targeted solutions to crime, illicit activities, and political violence through active community involvement.