Kenya’s Mining Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Joho, has highlighted the country’s loss of billions of shillings due to illegal mining practices, primarily carried out by foreign miners. Speaking in Mombasa, Joho revealed that 95% of mining activities in Kenya are unauthorized, with miners exporting raw ores as sand, concealing the presence of multiple valuable minerals.
He explained that these miners often pay royalties for only one mineral, despite extracting others such as gold, silver, or zinc from the same ore. An example is titanium, mined along the coast, which often contains several other minerals.
Joho stressed the need for stronger enforcement, which would include increasing police presence, boosting funding, and establishing modern laboratories to thoroughly analyze and add value to extracted minerals. This would ensure Kenya accurately determines the value of its minerals before export, maximizing revenue. The CS mentioned that upgrading facilities would allow for the production of higher-value products like copper sheets, significantly increasing profits.
He also announced plans for regulatory changes to ensure miners disclose the full content of what they extract and pay appropriate dues. “Anyone exporting minerals without proper value assessment is undermining the economy,” Joho said.
The CS noted that while entities have threatened legal action to maintain current export practices, the government is prepared to defend its stance. Joho emphasized that proper regulations would not only benefit the national economy but also ensure communities in mining areas receive their fair share, as seen in recent actions forcing miners in Taita Taveta to clear overdue payments.
The Ministry of Mining is also seeking more funding to support enforcement, legislative reforms, and the digitization of its services at Madini House.
