Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has ordered the closure of one of the leading cement company's mining operations in the Kilifi-Kaloleni area, spelling doom for hundreds of workers.
In a public forum, the CS said that the closure of the mine was prompted by the company's failure to acquire proper mining permits from the county and the national government, even after several warnings.
The CS has further directed the Mining Principal Secretary, Harry Kimtai, to oversee the formation of local committees in the area, which will oversee mining activities and ensure they are in line with the necessary regulations.
"The reason why I have come to Kilifi is to check whether what we agreed with them has been done. And I can confirm that nothing has been done. And I think the first solution to this is to ensure that we get the right committee," the CS said.
On the other hand, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro pointed out that the mine has been a major contributor to environmental deterioration, as well as putting the lives and health of residents at risk.
"I'm very sad because the residents of this area have been complaining about this mine. And I would like to tell the government that this company is causing more harm than good in this region," the governor said.
The closure of the mine comes at a time when the ministry is reinforcing a crackdown on unlawful mining across the country to ensure compliance in the sector.
On Monday, June 9, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) closed down over 200 gold mines in Turkana County due to non-compliance.
According to NEMA, the mines, which were within the Kambi Karai and Lami Nyeusi regions along the River Turkwel in the Sigor Constituency, were operating without the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence.
Numerous complaints had surfaced from residents, who noted that the mines left deep holes and dirty water along the river, making it unfit for consumption and domestic use, according to NEMA.
According to NEMA, it will conduct an assessment of the mines to examine the level of environmental compliance.
''NEMA has today directed mining activities within the Kambi Karai and Lami Nyeusi region along River Turkwel in Sigor Constituency to stop further operations due to their negative environmental impacts,'' NEMA said.
''The more than 200 gold mining sites are operating without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licences, leaving deep holes and dirty waters along the river, making it unsuitable for domestic consumption,'' it added.
