Siaya: Sh8 billion worth of gold has been discovered in Gem Ramula, Siaya County, and the government is working on modalities to ensure structured exploitation of the mineral, County Commissioner Norbert Komora has said. Addressing this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya town, Komora emphasized that the government will prevent any unregulated exploitation of the resource, which is expected to significantly impact the local and county economy.
According to Kenya News Agency, Komora warned against individuals attempting to incite the public against the responsible extraction of the gold. He highlighted that under current regulations, the county government of Siaya is entitled to receive 20% of the gold’s value, while the local community will benefit from 10%. The county commissioner urged the residents of Siaya to support the government’s initiatives, noting its substantial investment in various projects within the county.
Komora also addressed the impending food shortage in the county, attributed to poor rainfall that has affected crop yields. He mentioned that the county disaster management committee is set to convene to devise strategies to assist those impacted by the shortage.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, represented by County Director of Administration George Okello, called for unity among Siaya residents. He encouraged them to work towards making the county a model of collective growth, with prosperity as the foundation for excellence.
