By John Kariuki
In a significant and momentous occasion held at the Works Building in Nairobi, Principal Secretary Hon Elijah Mwangi, accompanied by senior mining officials, officially handed over the Mining Docket to PS Harry Kimtai. The event was marked by a profound sense of camaraderie, respect, and an unwavering commitment to advancing Kenya’s mining sector into a new era of growth and innovation.
For PS Mwangi, this occasion was bittersweet as he bid farewell to a team of exceptionally driven and dedicated professionals who have played an integral role in executing transformative reforms in the sector. Under his leadership, the team has achieved remarkable progress, revolutionizing Kenya’s mining landscape and positioning the country as a growing force in the global mining industry.
Reflecting on his tenure, PS Mwangi expressed immense pride in the incredible strides made during his time at the helm. His leadership has been defined by the achievement of key milestones, such as the lifting of the mining moratorium, the completion of the National Airborne Geophysical Survey (NAGS), and the discovery of 970 mineral occurrences. These accomplishments have laid a solid foundation for the country’s future mineral exploration efforts.
The decriminalization of artisanal mining, the establishment of County Artisanal Mining Committees, and the formation of over 240 Artisanal Miners Marketing Cooperatives have fostered inclusivity and provided a path toward sustainable growth. Furthermore, the comprehensive review of the Mining Act Cap 306 is a critical step in ensuring that Kenya’s mining regulations continue to evolve to meet the sector’s needs.
A hallmark of PS Mwangi’s leadership was his unrelenting pursuit of value addition in mineral processing. This vision has yielded concrete outcomes, including the commissioning of the Voi Gemology Value Addition and Marketing Center, the revitalization of the Sh 4.8 billion Fluorspar Processing Plant, and the establishment of the Kakamega Gold Refinery. These projects have made significant strides toward enhancing Kenya’s mineral processing capabilities, benefiting both the industry and local communities.
As PS Harry Kimtai takes the helm, PS Mwangi expressed complete confidence in his colleague’s abilities. With his wealth of experience, strategic foresight, to even greater heights.
In his parting words, PS Mwangi commended the mining team’s dedication, passion, and perseverance, urging them to continue building on the synergy that has driven their success. He called on them to maintain the spirit of collaboration that has been the bedrock of their achievements, as they collectively work towards realizing the sector’s full potential.
PS Mwangi concluded with an inspiring message: “Your tireless and selfless contributions will continue to elevate the mining sector, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Kenya’s economic prosperity. Keep that mining wheel rolling!”
As the baton is passed to PS Harry Kimtai, the mining sector stands on the cusp of even greater accomplishments. With a solid foundation already in place, Kenya’s mining industry is poised to reach new heights of success and prominence in the global arena.
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