Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho gives his views during a meeting with leaders from Marsabit County on the reopening of the Hillo Gold Mines/HANDOUTCabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho on Wednesday convened and chaired a high-level consultative meeting to fast-track the reopening of the Hillo Gold Mines in Marsabit County.
It follows a directive by President William Ruto on June 12, 2026.
The meeting was attended by the leadership of Marsabit County led by the Governor Mohamed Ali, Members of Parliament Prof. Guyo Waqo Jaldesa (Moyale), Dido Rasso (Saku), Wario Adhe (North Horr) and Senator Mohamed Chute.
The meeting resolved to establish a multi-agency team which was given seven working days, effective from 23 July 2026, to undertake a comprehensive field assessment.
The team's mandate includes reconfirming and verifying the demarcated artisanal mining areas, verifying and confirming registered mining co-operatives in readiness for the issuance of artisanal mining permits, and advising on the requisite documentation and regulatory requirements for the issuance of the permits.
Upon completion of its assignment, the team is expected to submit a comprehensive report containing clear findings and recommendations on the structured reopening of the Hillo gold mines to facilitate the resumption of mining activities in a safe, orderly and sustainable manner, in strict compliance with the Mining Act, 2016.
The Cabinet Secretary also directed an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities.
He urged artisanal and small-scale miners to comply fully with the provisions of the Mining Act, 2016, emphasising that adherence to the law is essential to safeguarding lives, protecting the environment and promoting responsible mineral resource development.
“Those found engaging in illegal mining activities or otherwise contravening the law would face appropriate legal action,” Joho warned.
Commenting on the mining incident in Lolgorian, Narok County, where five people are feared to have lost their lives following the collapse of a mining tunnel, the Cabinet Secretary expressed the Government's condolences to the affected families.
He stated that the Government is following key leads and will ensure that any individuals found to have endangered the lives of others through negligence or unlawful activities are held accountable in accordance with the law.
