The government on Wednesday announced the phasing out of manual registration for mining licences.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Mining Elijah Mwangi noted that the Ministry, in line with Kenya Kwanza’s digital transformation agenda, will begin registering interested individuals digitally.
Mwangi explained that the government was focused on leveraging technology, which prompted the introduction of the online mining cadastre for license application.
The Cadastre Portal is an electronic platform for all stakeholders in the mining sector in Kenya to engage directly with the Ministry of Mining.
“We have digitised our royalty collection system, we have digitised our explosive system, and our artisanal system. Going forward we will not be accepting the manual,” he noted.
Defending the need to phase out the manual system, the PS noted that digital registration would help curb cases of irregularities in licensing and promote accountability.
The Ministry further introduced the National Mining Corporation which will partner with individuals interested in exploiting various minerals in the country.
“We have at least 14 strategic minerals which include copper, coltan, nickel, radioactive, Niobium, and Lithium. People will need to consult with the corporation if interested in such,” he explained.
In an amendment to the Mining Act, the Ministry introduced the mineral development levy to source funds for the exploitation of mineral resources available in the country.
PS Mwangi advised people currently carrying out mining activities to take caution following recent flooding in various areas in the country caused the heavy rainfall. Mwangi noted that landslides around mining sites have been reported.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday issued a directive, warning the public of potential flooding in sections of Garissa, Tana Delta and Lamu Counties.
Other areas include; Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia, Nyando, Muhoroni, Migori, Kakamega and Vihiga especially those near lakes and rivers.
