Nairobi: The mining sector in Kenya has reached a historic milestone with the successful hosting of its debut Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition for 2024. This event is part of a long-term strategy to enhance the sector’s visibility and position Kenya as the premier destination for mining investments in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the two-day event held in Nairobi brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, investors from both small and large-scale sectors, artisanal miners, dealers, traders, equipment suppliers, and actors from Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) with vested interests in the mining sector. The conference was officially inaugurated by the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho, who described it as a significant step toward solidifying the substantial gains achieved in the sector.
During his address, Joho emphasized that the mining sector is poised to become Kenya’s nex
t economic frontier, driven by strategic policy interventions, partnerships, and incentives aimed at attracting multi-billion-shilling investments. He urged mining investors to prioritize creating lasting legacies that benefit communities and citizens, rather than focusing solely on profit-making.
Joho highlighted the importance of timely remittance of mining royalties to counties and communities, as outlined in the royalty-sharing formula in the Mining Act. He revealed that the Ministry is advocating for a proposal to ensure counties and communities receive their mining royalty dues promptly after investors make payments. Currently, the National Government owes counties over Sh2.9 billion in unpaid mineral royalties, with Kwale County set to receive the highest share at Sh1.1 billion, followed by Kilifi and Kajiado counties with Sh950 million and Sh660 million, respectively.
In his commitment to transforming the sector, Joho stressed Kenya’s readiness to fully exploit the potential of 14 strategic minerals
through the National Mining Corporation, aiming to propel the country’s transition to green energy. He was accompanied by the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, and other senior officials.
The 2024 mining conference coincides with significant achievements in Kenya’s mining sector, particularly in supporting artisanal miners and mining communities. In 2023, the cabinet decriminalized artisanal mining operations, paving the way for their formalization through organized marketing cooperatives. Over 200 cooperatives have been registered, and their officials trained in management, marketing, and growth strategies. Additionally, the government has established 27 County Artisanal Mining Committees to facilitate the issuance of mining permits to artisanal miners.
Among other accomplishments, the completion of the National Aerial Geo-Physical Survey (NAGS) led to the discovery of 970 mineral occurrences in Kenya, further showcasing the sector’s potential.
