West pokot: Governor Simon Kachapin has threatened legal action to halt illegal gold mining in the region, accusing powerful individuals and investors of exploiting local resources while leaving behind environmental destruction and displacement.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kachapin addressed journalists in Kapenguria, expressing concern that residents are growing increasingly frustrated over unchecked mining activities and the failure of authorities to enforce the law. He announced that the County Government would seek court orders to suspend all illegal mining operations, highlighting that many miners operate without licenses, permits, or payment of royalties, despite earning significant profits from gold extraction.
Kachapin questioned the disparity in regulatory compliance, noting that ordinary business operators are required to adhere to taxation and licensing regulations, whereas illegal miners allegedly operate with impunity. He emphasized the environmental impact, accusing illegal miners of causi
ng widespread degradation and destroying infrastructure, including homes, schools, water sources, and grazing fields.
The governor further alleged that mining activities have encroached into protected areas, such as the Nasolot National Reserve and regions surrounding the Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station. He expressed concern for pastoralists losing grazing land and wildlife conservation zones facing encroachment, affecting rare elephant populations.
Kachapin criticized the issuance of mining licenses from Nairobi without consulting county governments or affected local communities. He claimed some investors use permits from the national government to assert ownership of mining areas, displacing residents on the affected land. The governor insisted that mining decisions should involve all stakeholders, including the national government, county governments, and local communities, to ensure equitable resource sharing and environmental protection.
He described the current situation as economic exploitation,
where outsiders, including foreign investors, benefit from local resources at the expense of residents who suffer from environmental damage and social disruption.
Source: Kenya News Agency
