Almost a week after Migori residents interfered with road construction after discovering gold deposits along the Migori stretch of the Kenya-Tanzania Highway, the government has taken action to suspend all mining operations in the county in a move aimed at cracking down on unlawful activities.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, County Commissioner David Gitonga stated that the government has issued a directive requiring all artisans to obtain legal licenses before resuming their operations. Failure to adhere to this requirement, he said will result in prosecution.
The County Commissioner further highlighted that despite the legal mandate for all mining activities to be regulated in accordance with the law, a majority of miners persist in operating without permits. This situation, he said has prompted the immediate suspension of mining operations.
“I would advise all the people of Migori and the miners in particular, not to feel that we are targeting them or against their operations. We would want them to be organised so as to benefit from the government support,” he remarked.
Flanking the County Commissioner, Joseph Boiwo, the Geology Officer for Migori County directed that only sites which have fully complied with the laid legal requirements will be allowed to resume their operations.
The Geology Officer called out the artisans, cautioning them about the dangers they are subjecting themselves and their loved ones to by participating in illicit operations.
Boiwo further highlighted that this crackdown will also aid in preventing miners from causing environmental degradation through the creation of numerous gaping holes left behind.
“As we have served the closure, it should stand so until a time when they all acquire the permits and licences,” Boiwo asserted.
In addition to the environmental concerns, unlicensed miners often contribute to noise pollution, disrupting regular activities in learning institutions and workplaces.
To evade detection, certain miners conduct their operations during nighttime hours, and some even resort to concealing themselves within mining cavities if authorities initiate inspections.
On Friday, August 4, Migori residents discovered small deposits of gold along the Kenya-Tanzania Highway. The residents stormed the section and interfered with road construction forcing the police to intervene and disperse them.
The government was forced to ban the residents from digging up earth and cordoned the area for inspection.
