The Vihiga County Assembly has received and considered a petition concerning alleged plans by Suyan Wei Company to establish commercial mining operations in the county, reportedly in violation of the provisions of the Mining Act, 2016.

The petition was tabled by Luanda Township Member of County Assembly, David Onjiri, and seconded by nominated MCA Caroline Angote, following concerns raised by residents of Nadanya/Mang’unyuli Village in Sabatia Sub-County.

The matter was referred to the Committee on Environment, Water, Energy, Natural Resources, and Climate Change for review in accordance with Assembly Standing Orders.

Petitioners raised several issues, including lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), absence of public participation, alleged attempts to use public land without due process, potential environmental degradation, risks to public health and threats to community grazing land and livelihoods.

During its inquiry, the committee engaged petitioners, the County Department of Environment, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the State Department for Mining. Site visits were also conducted to verify claims.

Submissions by the Directorate of Mining indicated that, as of February 2, 2026, Suyan Wei Company had neither applied for nor been granted mineral rights or approvals to carry out mining activities in Vihiga County.

The committee further observed that no approved Environmental Impact Assessment had been presented. It emphasised that, although mining is primarily a national government function, county governments retain oversight responsibilities regarding land-use, environmental protection and public participation.

The committee recommended immediate suspension of any mining-related activities pending full compliance with legal requirements, strict adherence to constitutional provisions on public participation and environmental protection, safeguarding of public land and community rights, and commissioning of an independent legal and environmental compliance audit on all mining operations in the county.

The assembly reaffirmed its commitment to exercising its oversight mandate to ensure accountability, environmental sustainability and community protection.

The county assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting community land, promoting public participation and ensuring environmental sustainability.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Yvonne Misango