Kakamega: The County Assembly of Kakamega has approved the proposed underground mining of substantial gold deposits in Ikolomani constituency by a private company, unlocking a project valued at 680 billion shillings. This development follows deliberations by the Assembly’s committee on Environment, Natural Resources, Energy Water, and Climate Change, which addressed concerns from civil society groups and residents about potential land degradation, compensation issues, and the relocation of approximately 800 households in the Isulu-Bushiangala area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the committee held public forums to discuss these petitions and concluded that Shanta Gold Kenya, the company spearheading the project, had met the criteria for meaningful public involvement. The mining process adhered to the regulatory procedures outlined in the Mining Act, 2016. The company is in the process of developing a resettlement plan for affected households, which will undergo public review and independent validation to address governance and human rights issues.
The committee’s report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive resettlement action plan that includes fair compensation, livelihood restoration measures, and grievance redress mechanisms, aligning with both national and international standards. This plan is to be disclosed to the community before any land acquisition or resettlement occurs.
The report also highlights the existing engagement structures, such as consultative forums, as adequate platforms for local stakeholder input. Shanta Gold Kenya has shown a willingness to engage with community structures on project-related matters. Environmental risks concerning nearby River Yala and River Isiukhu have been addressed in the Environmental Impact and Social Assessment (EISA).
The formalization of mining activities under a structured framework is seen as a more reliable economic opportunity compared to artisanal mining. The project is expected to create around 1,000 direct jobs for local residents, integrating artisanal miners into formal employment and supply chain roles.
However, the committee urges the State Department for Mining, Shanta Gold Kenya, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), and the County Government of Kakamega to grant formal mining permits to artisanal and small-scale miners, a longstanding issue. The report calls for inclusive decision-making involving all stakeholders, including marginalized groups such as women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
The committee’s findings and recommendations are slated for presentation in the County Assembly Plenary for further debate and potential adoption.
