By John Kariuki
On Friday, Principal Secretary for Mining Elijah Mwangi held extensive discussions with miners, traders, and dealers in the gemstone subsector from Taita Taveta County. The engagement, held at the Voi Gemstone Value Addition and Marketing Center, focused on optimizing the facility’s operational capacity to enhance productivity in the region.
The consultative meeting brought together key leaders, including Deputy Governor Christine Saru Kilalo and Voi MP Hon. Khamis Chome Abdi. Discussions covered licensing processes, mineral taxation, royalty payments, formation of miners’ cooperative societies, and fostering collaborations to spur growth in the sector.
Renowned for its rich mineral deposits, including gemstones, manganese, and iron ore, Taita Taveta County holds immense potential for economic growth through value addition. The State Department for Mining has deployed geologists, mining engineers, and explosives inspectors to assist artisanal miners in conducting safe and productive mining activities.
PS Mwangi emphasized the government’s commitment to streamlining the sector and supporting stakeholders. “We are focused on promoting productivity by embracing value addition to ensure minerals benefit miners, traders, and communities,” he said.
The meeting concluded with pledges from leaders to support reforms and enhance profitability in the gemstone sector. Senior officials, including the Director of Mines Gregory Kituku and Director of Geological Survey Enoch Kipseba, were also in attendance.