Plans to operationalise at least 59 artisanal cooperative societies in the mineral-rich Hillo belt in Marsabit county has gained momentum.
This follows the decision by partners to revive, formalise and secure the county’s vast mineral wealth as outlined by the Mining Act of 2016.
Assistant commissioner for cooperatives Meshack Owuor said the formalisation process is underway and that a cooperative union to coordinate activities of the newly registered artisanal societies has been established.
He said the union seeks to harness the potential of more than 10,000 members, with renewed focus on artisanal gold extraction at the Dabel mining sites.
"The cooperative movement is not only helping us organise the miners but is also key to ensuring compliance with safety, environmental and legal standards," Owuor said.
He said that already 45 cooperatives have received acknowledgment letters and licensing from the National Environment Management Authority and are awaiting issuance of permits.
Oscar Mwakughu, a superintendent of mines, said the the Hillo mining belt could generate more than Sh2 billion annually if harnessed properly.
He said enforcement of the Mining Act is essential not just for legal compliance but for sustainable development.
Mwakughy said formalised cooperatives could enable creation of more than 4,500 direct jobs and thousands of other indirect opportunities in line with the government’s bottom-up transformation agenda.
"This is in addition to boosting national revenue and ensuring Marsabit contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s Vision 2030 development plan,” he said.
The Hillo mining region was closed down due to unregulated operations that caused severe environmental degradation, rampant insecurity and infiltration by illegal foreign miners.
Trees were destroyed, charcoal production soared and local wildlife, including dik-dik almost became extinct as thousands of miners poached them for meat.
With the new cooperative framework, the government has engaged multiple agencies including Nema, Kenya Wildlife Service, immigration authorities, county officials,and the National Police Service to ensure a safer and regulated mining environment.
Natural resources and environment executive Grace Galmo highlighted the importance of capacity building among artisanal miners.
“This process is about more than just compliance. It’s about empowering local miners to operate within a simplified legal framework,” she said.
Galmo said the county will ensure environmental conservation and promotion of an inclusive economic participation.
More than 10,000 acres of land have been earmarked for mining and efforts are underway to build water kiosks and health facilities across 13 active mining sites.
A new police station and improved road infrastructure are also part of the county’s development plan.
Among cooperatives already formalised and awaiting mining permits are Hillo Artisanal Cooperative Society, Haldagon Mineral Marketing Cooperative Society, Jariya Artisanal Mining Cooperative and Dabel Artisanal Miners’ Cooperative Society.
Trade and cooperatives chief officer Mohad Dida said the renewed focus on cooperatives will anchor artisanal mining in a sustainable development model that supports small and micro-enterprises and protects local livelihoods.
He said artisanal mining remains a critical livelihood for many residents and formalising the sector could not have come at a better time.
Dida said the new development would ensure mining activities are safer, more profitable and aligned with national goals.
He said mineral deposits in other parts of the county are also being prioritised as efforts are also applied to balance economic growth with preservation of culture and environmental sustainability.
Governor Mohamud Ali’s administration has expressed commitment to supporting local miners while creating room for huge commercial investment.
Rashid Karayu, an artisanal miner and the newly elected chairperson of the Marsabit Artisanal Mining Cooperatives Union, welcomed the changes saying the fraternity feels recognised and supported.
“We expect to start mining responsibly and profitably now that there are proper structures in place,” he said, adding that exploitation by middlemen will end.
Karayu said artisanal miners were exploited by cartels, some of whom were foreigners, but expressed optimism that the venture, which was illegally conducted, will be done in a safe environment.
While gold remains the most sought-after mineral in Marsabit county, the region is also endowed with deposits of mica, beryllium, chromite, and gemstones—resources that, if tapped wisely, could drive the county into a new era of prosperity.
