Mvurya announces a crackdown of illegal miners in Kitui

Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced a crackdown on illegal miners in Kitui county.

He said all miners should acquire all the necessary licenses from his ministry.

"Illegal investors who are not licensed by my ministry should know that the law will soon catch up with them. We will arrest and charge them in court," Mvurya said.

He said it is high time gainful exploitation of minerals took place.

Kitui is the home of minerals such as copper, iron ore, manganese, graphite, coltan among others.

Mvurya spoke during a meeting with Asal Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza, Governor Julius Malombe and other Kitui leaders.

Malombe and other leaders raised concerns that the miners are giving residents a raw deal.

"I watch helplessly as illegal miners continue their illicit mineral mining activities. This is largely due to the gaps in laws that guide mining and transportation of minerals," Malombe said.

“The miners have not even been paying cess fees to the county as required by law." 

He said his administration is ready to partner with the national government to streamline licensing, consent and management of minerals.

MPs Makali Mulu (Kitui Central), Paul Nzengu (Mwingi North) and Kitui South's Rachael Nyamai said there is massive mining in the county, which is not benefiting the residents.

Jeremiah Nyayo, a resident, said the miners' activities are destroying the environment.

Mvurya warned that the illegal miners will face sanctions as provided for in the law. 

The CS said his ministry has gazetted an artisanal mining committee to reduce the burden and make work easy for miners in all the counties.

"We cannot continue to allow pilferage of royalties through crude dealing by inventors. We have provided the right medium for license application and I beseech those interested to comply," he said.

Mvurya said his ministry is in process of establishing al lab for mineral testing and certification in Kitui to save the locals time.

"The potential is there and we now want to actualise it into financial gain to uplift the living standards of our people,”Mvurya said.

Kitui county commissioner, Kipchumba Rutto said his office will help to ensure that illegal miners face the law.

"It is also important for miners to adhere to Nema regulations and other laws," he said.