The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has moved to end illegal exploration and mining of minerals across the country.
Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho on Wednesday launched an
investigative arm in the Mining Police Unit in the ministry.
“We have a new commander commissioner of police Fatuma Ali, she has been the DCIO of Kilimani. Anybody who will destroy the economy is no different from a robbery with violence criminal,” Joho said.
Joho added that minerals are resources that belong to the Kenyan
people not only for today but future generations.
“When minerals are
stolen, they are gone for good. I want to ensure that we have teams in place to
ensure the law is followed. I also want to assure players in the industry that
the ministry is here to offer support as long as you do the right thing,” he
stated.
Joho urged mining companies to work closely with the local community and pay them their rightful dues.
He also asked the firms to work closely with the county government and pay royalties.
“If you do that, you get a proper license and we will support you to grow. But if you think you are too smart and want to steal our minerals, we will arrest you on the ground and if not, we will pursue you wherever you go,” he stated.
“If you gain from illegal resources here, and move to other countries, we will pursue you there.”
Kenya loses billions of shillings through smuggling of minerals by foreigners.
In April last year, the government deployed a special police unit to tackle widespread illegal exploration and mining of minerals.
The Mining Police Unit is mandated to pursue miners, prospectors, and dealers violating the industry law and regulations.
The unit is under the command of the Inspectorate of Mines.
Illegal exploration, exploitation, and dealing in minerals are penalised through a fine of up to Sh10 million or a jail term of two years or both under the Mining Act 2016.
