KEY POINTS
- Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi highlighted efforts to encourage responsible mining practices, attract investment, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- The government has hired additional technical officers, established licensing committees at the county level, and reviewed licensing regulations to combat illegal mining activities.
The government is undertaking a significant modernization of the online mineral cadaster system as part of its efforts to streamline the mining industry. Elijah Mwangi, the Mining Principal Secretary, revealed during the inaugural mining forum organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) that the primary goal is to capture comprehensive details of all stakeholders in the mining sector while enhancing operational efficiency and transparency. Mwangi stressed the importance of fostering responsible mining practices, attracting investments, and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory standards.
In his address at the mining forum, Mwangi highlighted the remarkable progress made in the licensing process since its reopening in October. He noted that the online cadastre system has received over a thousand applications, with 254 applications already processed. As part of this ongoing process, Mwangi mentioned that six licenses have been issued, with plans underway to issue another batch of six licenses in the coming week. He also underscored the government’s commitment to reviewing licensing regulations to ensure that all mining activities align with established rules and guidelines.
Furthermore, to combat illegal mining activities and enhance compliance across counties, the government has taken significant steps, as highlighted by Mwangi. These efforts include the recruitment of 357 additional technical officers and the gazetting of 22 licensing committees at the county level. These measures aim to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote adherence to regulatory frameworks. The government’s proactive stance, coupled with collaborative initiatives with industry stakeholders, underscores its commitment to fostering a responsible, transparent, and sustainable mining sector in Kenya.
