Kenya's mining landscape is poised for a seismic shift as government officials unveil a treasure trove of mineral deposits across western regions.
The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs has identified 28 promising sites scattered from Bongoma to Eldoret, brimming with gold, limestone, phosphates, and other crucial base metals crucial for construction and industrial sectors.
This could offer President William Ruto’s government crucial revenues, in light of the rejected Finance Bill 2024 that sought to raise Ksh346 billion.
Martine Yaki, Principal Superintendent of Geology at the Mining State Department, affirmed the discoveries, heralding a potential economic boom for the traditionally agrarian Western and Rift Valley counties.
Despite contributing less than 1 per cent to Kenya's GDP, mining holds promise to scale up significantly, possibly to 10 per cent, as projected by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Gold reserves, historically modest, are set for a potential uptick with new findings.
However, the government did not reveal how much money Kenya could earn from the deposits.
The Treasury reports a substantial contribution of Ksh120.3 billion from mining and quarrying in 2023 alone, underlining the sector's economic potential.
Earlier breakthroughs, such as the discovery of Colton reserves earlier this year, bolstered hopes for Kenya's burgeoning mining sector.
The latest revelations follow extensive aerial surveys conducted nationwide, pinpointing these valuable mineral-rich sites.
Areas like Mt. Elgon, Bongoma Town, Kama'et, and Minanga Lupida are now in the spotlight, showcasing promising reserves of phosphates, manganese, limestone, silver, and zinc.
"This discovery transcends administrative boundaries," noted officials, highlighting the complexity and regional significance of the findings.
In Bungoma County, attention is drawn to gold, base metals, and limestone phosphates, while pure gold deposits have surfaced in Lupidam Nanga, Busia County.
The Mt. Elgon region, meanwhile, boasts a rich tapestry of minerals including phosphates, manganese, limestone, silver, and zinc.
Last week, CS Mvurya reopened the Fluorspar Mines in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
