Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has been termed as the most critical component of President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big Four Agenda.
Speaking in the Nairobi on Monday, Mining Cabinet Secretary John Munyes emphasised that the Kitui county's mineral resources, if exploited, could fund the Big Four project and be helpful in ensuring Uhuru's legacy.
Addressing mining stakeholders convened by the governor, Munyes insisted that the mining of coal, limestone and iron ore from the county would propel Kenya's economic growth.
"The underground wealth that you have in your county will be of benefit to not just Kitui but the whole country in line with the 70:20:10 sharing formula among the national, county governments and communities respectively, provided in the Mining Act," CS Munyes noted.
[caption caption="Governor Charity Ngilu with CS John Munyes on June 18"]
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Geologist Gladys Kianji argued that harnessing the minerals would greatly reduce the cost of energy for manufacturing plants which contributes to the President's manufacturing agenda.
Steel processor Rajesh Patel, who owns a plant in Mwingi North constituency explained that coal ash waste can be used to make light but strong building bricks which would reduce the cost of construction and consequently the cost of housing.
"We all know what the combination of coal, limestone, iron ore and magnesium which are available in Kitui means in driving the affordable housing agenda," the businessman elaborated.
Governor Ngilu welcomed the resolution, promising to conduct the necessary consultations ahead of the approval to begin the work.
"My government will take the lead role in facilitating dialogue among all players to ensure that all parties get the best deals while safeguarding the environment.
"Our people should not continue wallowing in poverty when our county is endowed with vast deposits of minerals and precious stones which create wealth for Kitui and the entire country," she emphasised.
[caption caption="File image of Governor Ngilu and Kalonzo Musyoka"]
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