Ali Bafala, a resident of Kote, speaking to the press.
A lorry loading the minerals at the Kote area, Bangale sub-county.
Residents of Kote and KBC areas in Bangale sub-county, Tana River County, are raising alarm over the negative impact of mining activities recently approved in the region.
The community says the operations are causing environmental destruction, threatening livestock, and endangering public health through dust pollution.
Efforts to reach Tana River County’s officer in charge of mining, Thony Maina, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages went unanswered.
They also accuse mining companies of monopolising economic opportunities and failing to engage locals or invest back into the community.
Speaking to the press in KBC, residents lamented that repeated efforts to have their grievances addressed by the companies have been ignored.
Ali Bafala, a resident of Kote, said mining has led to massive land degradation, destruction of vegetation, soil erosion, and pollution of vital water sources.
“The continuous mining is generating large volumes of dust, which has become not just a nuisance but a serious health hazard. The health of our people is being compromised for the benefit of a few,” Bafala said.
He added that local health facilities are overwhelmed as cases of respiratory infections and other related illnesses rise, especially among children and the elderly.
On top of that, livestock, the backbone of the community’s economy, has been exposed to contaminated water and shrinking grazing areas.
“Several incidents have been reported of animals falling into open pits left behind by the companies. This puts our food security and livelihoods at risk,” Bafala noted.
Yakub Balesa, a resident of KBC, accused the mining firms of monopolizing the local economy.
“Local businesses are being pushed out while opportunities that should empower our people are hoarded by a few external companies. This unfair domination is worsening poverty and causing job losses,” he said.
While acknowledging the need for development, Balesa insisted it should not come at the expense of the community’s health and future.
Another resident, Ibrahim Abdalla, criticized the companies for neglecting their corporate social responsibility.
“Despite profiting from our natural resources, there is little to show in terms of investments in infrastructure, education, or health. Our schools are underfunded, our roads remain in poor condition, and basic amenities are lacking. These companies are extracting wealth without giving back,” Abdalla said.
The residents are now calling on the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to immediately audit all mining activities in the area and take action against companies that flout environmental standards.
They also want the Ministry of Mining to review and, if necessary, revoke the permits of firms that fail to follow responsible mining practices, while ensuring benefits are equitably shared with the host community.
Madina Godana, another resident, urged the county government to step in.
“The County Government of Tana River should enforce laws that protect local businesses and ensure a fair distribution of economic opportunities,” she said.
