A crisis looms in the mining sector as key stakeholders within the industry voice opposition to the government's recent efforts to implement strict laws to regulate the sector.
The Kenya Chamber of Mines (KCM) has criticised the government's recent initiatives targeting the mining sector, describing them as unjust and detrimental to the industry.
This comes just days after the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Hassan Joho, ordered a raid on a warehouse in Nairobi, leading to the arrest of four illegal mineral harvesters.
The four individuals, comprising three Chinese nationals and one Kenyan, were apprehended as they allegedly prepared to sell minerals, including copper, lead, zinc, and iron.
KCM has accused the Ministry of Mining of dishonesty in its dealings. According to KCM, the ministry directed mining companies to disclose their inventory as part of a government initiative, which they complied with in good faith.
However, KCM revealed that, despite their compliance, the government later conducted a raid on their premises, raising concerns over the integrity of the ministry's actions.
Additionally, they revealed that the ministry, together with the mining police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations(DCI), conducted the raid claiming that the minerals were illegal and valuing them at over Ksh200 million.
KCM through its chairperson Patrick Kanyoro refuted the valuation, accusing the government of dishonesty in the process. The chamber claimed that the actual valuation was only Ksh4 million, contrary to the government's assertions.
Kanyoro at the same time accused the government of not taking their contributions seriously, stating that their attempts to get licences have often been delayed.
''People do not mine as a hobby, just for clarity, people mine as an activity to sustain their livelihoods,'' Kanyoro stated.
''You will call me illegal because I do not have a licence? I do not know how you will explain to me why you have not granted me the same despite having applied for it,'' he added.
The miners have now written an open letter to President William Ruto protesting the policy directives of Joho, calling for an immediate address.
"When domestic and foreign investors have to chase a Cabinet Secretary both within Kenya and abroad to get their licenses approved, then definitely something is completely off and this is a matter that must be addressed with the immediacy that it deserves,'' read part of the letter.
Further, the chamber disclosed that they will be moving to court over the matter to seek legal redress.
This is What Killed Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve News Just In
