Calls for Modern Enforcement Programs and Labs to Maximize Mineral Revenue
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has sounded the alarm on rampant illegal mining in Kenya, revealing that the country is losing billions of shillings due to widespread unregulated extraction. Joho stated that approximately 95% of mining operations are illegal, with unscrupulous miners exploiting Kenya’s mineral wealth by exporting raw ores disguised as sand.
Joho explained that these miners often extract multiple valuable minerals from the ore but only declare and pay royalties for one. “These miners export ores in the form of sand, analyze them abroad, and pay royalties for a single mineral, while they take out many more minerals,” he said.
Speaking in Mombasa after meeting with the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, chaired by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, Joho stressed that urgent reforms are needed to stop the illegal activities. He called for the implementation of stricter enforcement programs, increased funding, and more officers on the ground to monitor mining activities.
Additionally, Joho emphasized the need for modern laboratories to ensure that all minerals extracted and exported are properly analyzed within Kenya. This would enable the government to determine the full value of the minerals and stop revenue loss.
“Proper modern labs will not only help assess the true value of the minerals before export, but they will also help in adding value to the extracted minerals, allowing us to generate more revenue,” Joho stated.
He cited titanium mining along the coastal belt as an example, explaining that the mined ores often contain multiple embedded minerals. Without thorough in-country analysis, Kenya continues to lose out on the full potential of its natural resources.
Joho’s comments reflect growing concerns about illegal mining’s impact on Kenya’s economy and underline the urgency for reforms to ensure that the country maximizes its mineral wealth for the benefit of its citizens.
