Faith Masita
Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has directed mining officers across the country to intensify enforcement of mining regulations and ensure all operators comply with the law as the government seeks to curb illegal activities and boost sector accountability.
Speaking during an engagement with mining officers, Joho said strict compliance with the Mining Act is critical to protecting Kenya’s mineral wealth and maximizing benefits for citizens.
Government Intensifies Oversight to Curb Illegal Mining
“Illegal mining is a crime. The security agencies on the ground should treat it as a criminal activity,” Joho said, emphasizing the need for coordinated enforcement efforts to eliminate unlawful mining operations.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the government has already shut down thousands of illegal mining activities but warned that non-compliance remains a major challenge that threatens revenue collection and sustainable resource management.“Minerals get depleted. Not paying royalties is tantamount to killing our future generations. This must stop,” he said.
Joho urged mining officers to ensure that licensed operators adhere to environmental, safety and royalty payment requirements, stressing that the ministry will not tolerate individuals or companies that violate mining regulations.
He reiterated that the government is pursuing reforms aimed at making the sector fair, profitable and sustainable for both investors and local communities.
“Some of these initiatives include organizing artisanal miners into cooperatives to maximize their benefits and establishing aggregation centers to ensure these miners receive fair value for their minerals, protecting them from unscrupulous dealers,” Joho said.
The CS further called on officers to work closely with county governments, security agencies and local communities to improve compliance and enhance oversight across mining regions.
The directive comes as the government intensifies efforts to formalize mining activities, attract credible investors and increase the sector’s contribution to Kenya’s economic growth while ensuring communities benefit from mineral resources.
