South Mugirango MCAs have urged the government to swiftly build a soapstone factory to help miners and carvers exploited by middlemen.
The MCAs said the factory will help residents earn a better income than what they receive.
The leaders included Apepo Ombasa of Tabaka, James Ngisa of Bogetenga and Evans Mokoro of Moticho.
During his recent visit to Kisii, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the government is in talks with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to construct the factory.
“The middlemen buy soapstone products at throwaway prices,” Apepo said.
The MCAs told the Star the factory will reduce poverty because miners and carvers will earn good money.
Governor James Ongwae said his administration will sponsor a bill in the county assembly to protect soapstone carvers and miners.
Ongwae said, “We are not going to allow a situation where outsiders buy soapstone products and stones from carvers and miners at cheap prices."
Mokoro said cooperative societies will market soapstone products in and outside the country.
Ngisa said residents toil in the mines and they need to be supported to support their families.
Apepo said the soapstone is a multi-million dollar industry and outsiders should not be allowed to buy carvings from the county cheaply and sell them at exorbitant prices in the international markets.
