Kenya’s Mining Sector Set for Transformation Amid Legislative Support
Today, in a significant move to bolster the mining sector, Principal Secretary for Mining Elijah Mwangi joined Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, HE Hon. Ali Hassan Joho, in an engagement with the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, Mining, and Forestry. This meeting focused on the expansive initiatives launched by the Ministry to drive economic growth through mining reforms.
During the session, CS Joho provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing community support, ensuring timely royalty payments, and fostering economic development. He emphasized his conviction that the mining sector represents Kenya’s emerging economic frontier. With sufficient budgetary allocation, he asserted, the sector is poised for extensive mineral exploration, which will yield valuable geological data and attract multi-billion shilling investments.
However, Joho cautioned that sustainable growth hinges on stringent measures against illegal mining practices that threaten progress. He announced a nationwide crackdown on illicit mining operations and highlighted ongoing efforts to revise mining laws. This revision aims to streamline royalty payments, ensuring that counties receive their 20% share and mining communities receive 10% promptly alongside other taxes, thus eliminating delays that have historically plagued the sector.
The Cabinet Secretary also recognized the pivotal role of the National Mining Corporation (NAMICO) in transforming the industry through exploration and strategic partnerships focused on strategic minerals.
As the sector moves forward, plans to establish mineral testing laboratories are underway. These facilities will facilitate the isolation of individual minerals from ores destined for export, helping to prevent the theft of secondary minerals concealed within these shipments.
The parliamentary committee expressed support for Joho’s vision, acknowledging the necessity for legislative backing to implement the outlined programs. Members pledged to advocate for increased budgetary allocations to unlock the full potential of Kenya’s mining sector, positioning it as a central pillar in the nation’s economic transformation.
With these developments, Kenya’s mining industry appears on the cusp of a significant resurgence, promising to enhance economic growth and community livelihoods across the nation.
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