The government on Monday, July 17, revealed that it has embarked on the process of revoking 1,500 non-compliant licenses in the mining sector.
Speaking during the Kenya Mining Week Expo and Conference, Elijah Mwangi, Principal Secretary State Department of Mining, stated that the state constituted a comprehensive audit of all mineral rights to revoke the expired permits and licenses.
In line with the audit, the Mining PS has given a new order - directing all businesses with mining permits to demonstrate compliance in order to retain it.
"In this category, we have identified over 1,500 licenses that are non-compliant. The freed areas shall be available to new applicants as per existing laws and regulations," he stated.
During his speech, the PS emphasised the government's commitment to the sector with the objective of turning it around and subsequently increasing its contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He lifted the lid on some of the reforms to be instituted in the sector including; a focus on value addition as well as the uplifting of small-scale miners.
Part of the reforms involved forming committees in nine counties to support small-scale mining.
“We have in place policy that is intended to support artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) through the establishment of ASM Committees in the counties," he pointed out.
"Towards this end, we have established nine such committees in Kakamega, Vihiga, Siaya, Turkana, Migori, Kisii, Kitui and Taita Taveta Counties."
To solve the issue of low returns on gemstones, he added that the government would enhance the value addition of raw gemstones mined in Taita-Kwale.
Additionally, PS Mwangi noted that the State Department would review the Mining Act of 2016 to ensure efficiency within the sector.
Trade PS Abubakar Hassan reiterated Mwangi's statement that the government would explore opportunities that would unlock the mining sector.
“The government of Kenya recognises the pivotal role mining places. The mining sector has the potential of contributing 10 per cent to the Country's GDP a vision we aim to bring to reality by supporting the private sector by sustainability of our country,” Hassan stated.
