Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ali Hassan Joho has called on Kenyans to capitalize on the country’s mining sector, citing its immense potential for lucrative returns.
Speaking to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, Joho emphasized that foreign investors currently dominate the industry, reaping significant profits. He highlighted the success of countries like Indonesia and China, where investors have amassed billions through mining.
“The sector is rich with opportunities, and it is high time Kenyans took advantage of it,” Joho stated. He urged MPs to support the establishment of a robust policy framework that would regulate the mining industry and ensure equitable benefits for all stakeholders.
A key part of Joho’s proposal involves enforcing royalty payments by foreign companies extracting minerals from Kenya. He expressed concern over foreign entities operating for over a decade without properly compensating affected communities. “The issue of royalties for the affected communities is crucial. We have foreign entities that have been extracting our minerals for over ten years without compensating the communities. We want this to be addressed at the point of loading the cargo,” Joho emphasized.
Joho believes that stricter regulations will create more opportunities for Kenyan youth to participate and grow within the mining industry. “Through such rules, many young Kenyans will get the opportunity to grow through the sector,” he added.
To ensure compliance with regulations, the CS announced plans to deploy experts and police officers at every border point. These teams will monitor mining activities and enforce rules, ensuring that foreign companies meet their obligations to the country and its communities.
Joho also suggested that the committee visit neighboring Tanzania to observe its achievements in mining. “We need to learn from the successes of countries like Tanzania. A visit by the committee will help us assess their progress and implement similar strategies to improve our sector,” he said.
