State is scaling up registration of artisanal miners in Ikolomani Sub-County, Kakamega County, as it rolls out a large-scale underground gold mining initiative valued at over Ksh680 billion.

Officers from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs will conduct fresh registration in Isiukhu, Isulu and Bushiangala areas over a two-week period. Licences will be issued to previously unregistered miners to eliminate illegal operations and regulate the sector.

In the lead-up to the exercise, Principal Secretary for Department of Mining Harry Kimtai expressed concern that illegal mining persists despite its risks to human life, the environment and government revenue.

Speaking Kisumu during a sensitisation workshop for Kakamega County Assembly Members (MCAs), Kimtai said artisanal miners must co-exist with commercial operations and remit royalties.

“Kakamega County received only Ksh12,000 ($92.95) of its slated 20 per cent share of gold royalties due to illegal mining,” he said.

Kimtai further revealed that the government will soon issue a mining licence to Shanta Gold Limited, an international firm prospecting in the area to begin gold mining estimated at 1.27 billion ounces and valued at about Ksh680 billion ($5.267 million) over eight years.

He announced that a fresh, inclusive public participation exercise will be held for landowners after a previous one in December last year turned violent, leading to four fatalities.

“We regret the incident. Through this second round of artisanal miner registration, we aim to remove foreign cartels believed to be fuelling animosity in the area,” he added.

MCAs led by Speaker James Namatsi said the county assembly would review petitions submitted by landowners in Ikolomani, where mining is expected to take place. Namatsi urged consultative hearings to address all landowner concerns to ensure that the county’s gold potential contributes to local economic transformation.

Members of the County Assembly’s Environment Committee also called for a transparent and fair compensation framework for landowners. They highlighted potential displacement and inadequate compensation, urging the government to offer a fair deal given the valuable minerals beneath the land.

They demanded action against foreign nationals illegally extracting gold and polluting Yala River, which has led to fish deaths and the destruction of aquatic life.

In response, Kimtai assured that proper land surveys would be conducted and residents duly compensated.

“There will be no land acquisition without following lawful processes, compensation and resettlement,” he said.

Under the Mining Act of 2016, mineral proceeds will be shared using a 70-20-10 formula, benefiting the national government, county governments and local communities, respectively. A 15-member Community Development Agreement Committee will be formed to ensure local residents benefit directly from mining proceeds.

“We have already formed the Kakamega County Mining Committee that consists of the governor, county mining officer and community representatives,” he added.

Sustainability and Environmental Manager for Shanta Gold Washington Ogutu said the project will require relocation of about 1,786 residents from 337 parcels of land. Geologist Chris Sang with Shanta Gold assured the community that environmental pollution would be minimal as the firm has implemented mechanisms to prevent ecological damage.

The registration drive aims to bring all artisanal miners into the legal framework. Kimtai said that this will ensure compliance with regulations, payment of royalties and harmonious co-existence with commercial miners.

Illegal mining has previously caused revenue loss, health risks, and environmental degradation, including soil erosion and river pollution. Formalizing artisanal mining is expected to secure revenue, improve safety, and protect the environment.

Collaboration with Shanta Gold Limited is expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses and inject significant revenue into Kakamega County. The government insists on careful management of displacement, fair compensation, and comprehensive resettlement planning to avoid past mistakes that led to fatalities during public consultations.

MCAs highlighted the need for continuous oversight and accountability, urging strict monitoring of environmental compliance to ensure mining operations do not compromise water sources or agricultural land.

Residents expressed cautious optimism, hoping that transparent procedures and proper engagement will guarantee benefits from the gold in their soil.

Kimtai pointed out that artisanal miners will receive technical support and guidance to improve productivity while adhering to safety and environmental standards. This approach allows smaller operators to operate legally alongside Shanta Gold Limited, fostering inclusive growth and minimising conflicts.

County Assembly plans to hold public hearings, inviting experts to guide land valuation, compensation rates, and environmental safeguards. Officials reiterated that the government is committed to a consultative approach protecting residents’ rights while unlocking the county’s mineral wealth.

In conclusion, the government’s strategy of formalising artisanal mining alongside commercial operations aims to balance economic growth, social equity and environmental protection.

By enhancing registration, issuing licenses and implementing structured community engagement, Kakamega County plans to leverage its gold resources for sustainable development while safeguarding the welfare of its residents.

Principal Secretary for Department of Mining Harry Kimtai (centre), Kakamga County Assembly Speaker James Namatsi (left) and members of the Kakamega County Assembly Environment Committee during a press briefing in Kisumu. Kimtai announced that fresh, inclusive public participation will be held for landowners after a previous exercise in December last year led to four deaths.

He added that Shanta Gold Limited will soon be licensed to start mining gold valued at Sh680 billion over eight years. Photo by George Kaiga.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By George Kaiga