Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and his PS Harry Kimutai inspects quarries in Jaribuni, Kilifi county Photo/Handout.
Several mining companies operating quarries in Jaribuni and Kalia Ng’ombe-Kokotoni in Kilifi county are in trouble after the government revoked their operating permits and licences due to non-compliance with mining regulations.
In Jaribuni, operations of 15 companies have been halted, with the exception of Victoria Engineering, which committed to corporate social responsibility by pledging to tarmac a section of the nine-kilometre Jaribuni-Dzitsoni road leading to the quarries.
While touring the quarries in Jaribuni and Kalia Ng’ombe-Kokotoni, Mining CS Hassan Joho said several companies had violated the law by using mining permits instead of licences, which are required for large-scale operations and mandate community involvement.
“The first violation I’ve seen is that people are using mining permits instead of licences, yet their operations are significant. Mining licences require engagement with the host community, so they hide behind permits. I have suspended all permits until they involve the community,” he said.
In Kalia Ng’ombe and Kokotoni, Joho inspected five quarries to assess the level of compliance to the Mining Act, 2016.
Joho, accompanied by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and acting Mining PS Harry Kimutai, launched the construction of a one-kilometre road by Victoria Engineering, allowing the company to resume operations.
“I am pleased that Victoria Engineering Company has formalised the agreement to honour its commitments regarding the payment of royalties, corporate social responsibility and support for critical infrastructure in line with the Mining Act,” he said.
All other firms were ordered to comply before being allowed to continue.
Mung’aro said only law-abiding quarry operators would be allowed to do business in Kilifi.
“We are working closely with CS Joho. We met the quarry operators, and only Victoria Engineering agreed to build a road in Jaribuni. The rest refused, yet their operations are causing severe health issues,” Mung’aro said.
Others who accompanied Joho were Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule and Rabai MP Kenga Mupe.
Chibule and Mupe expressed concern over respiratory illnesses caused by dust from the blasts.
“Some companies have operated for more than 30 years without giving back — not even sponsoring students. The blasts also throw rocks onto people’s homes, causing damage,” Kenga said.
Residents have long complained about the negative impacts of quarrying, including cracked houses and physical injuries due to frequent blasting.
Rabai assistant county commissioner Ole Masaa said 70 per cent of homes in the area have developed cracks due to blasts and called for compensation.
“We formed a multi-agency team to assess the destruction and compiled a report. However, only Mombasa Cement has complied,” he said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Mining companies must follow the law to ensure sustainable operations, community safety and environmental protection.
Laws requiring licences, environmental impact assessments, and community involvement are designed to protect public health, infrastructure and ecosystems.
Ignoring these rules often leads to accidents, health issues and property damage, as seen in Kilifi.
