The government has announced a comprehensive crackdown on illegal mining activities across the country, in a renewed effort to safeguard natural resources, improve investor confidence, and protect communities from the adverse effects of unregulated mining.
Speaking after a high-level security meeting held in Nairobi on Tuesday morning, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government had developed a roadmap to strengthen enforcement and coordination within the mining sector, following recommendations from the recently concluded Jukwaa la Usalama forums in the Coastal Region and a directive from the National Security Council.
“The mining industry is a vital contributor to our economy. But its growth is being stifled by illegal operations that not only lead to revenue loss, but also trigger environmental degradation, health hazards, child labor, and community conflicts,” said Murkomen.
Among the key measures announced include the restructuring of the specialized police unit attached to the State Department for Mining, capacity enhancement of enforcement officers, and greater community involvement through sensitization and integration of mining officers into grassroots security structures.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho, State Department for Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector Generals Eliud Lagat (Kenya Police Service) and Gilbert Masengeli (Administration Police Service), as well as Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin.
Murkomen emphasized that illegal mining has far-reaching consequences beyond lost income. “This is not just about economic loss—this is about safety, security, and sustainability,” he said. “We are committed to rooting out rogue operators and restoring sanity in the mining industry.”
The government has pledged to roll out the new measures immediately, with multi-agency teams expected to begin joint operations in high-risk areas over the coming weeks. Mining communities will also be engaged through forums aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of illegal mining and the importance of responsible resource exploitation.
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