West Pokot County Governor Simon Kachapin has threatened legal action to halt illegal gold mining in in the north-western Kenya region, accusing powerful individuals in government and investors allied to them of exploiting local resources, while leaving behind environmental destruction and displacement.

Speaking to journalists in Kapenguria town, Kachapin warned that residents had become increasingly frustrated and impatient over what he described as unchecked mining activities and failure by authorities to enforce the law.

He said the county government would move to court to seek orders suspending illegal mining, alleging that most miners operate without licences, permits or payment of royalties to the regional government despite earning huge profits from gold extraction activities.

Kachapin questioned why ordinary business operators are required to comply with taxation and licensing regulations, while illegal miners allegedly operate freely.

“Gold is one of the most precious metals,” he said.

The governor accused illegal miners of causing widespread environmental degradation and destroying infrastructure, including homes, schools, water sources and gracing fields used by members of communities.

He further alleged that mining activities had spread into protected areas including the Nasolot National Reserve and sections surrounding the Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station.

According to Kachapin, pastoralists are increasingly losing grazing land for their livestock due to expanding mining activities, while wildlife conservation zones hosting rare elephant populations also face encroachment.

The governor also criticised the issuance of mining licenses from Nairobi without consultation with county governments or affected local communities. He claimed that some investors were using permits issued by the national government to claim ownership of mining areas, resulting in displacement of residents living on the affected land.

Kachapin maintained that mining decisions should involve the national government, county governments and local communities to ensure equitable sharing of resources and protection of the environment.

He described the current situation as an economic exploitation in which outsiders including foreign investors benefit from local resources, while residents suffer environmental damage and social disruption.

He insisted that all illegal mining activities must stop and that all miners must comply with the law.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Anthony Melly