• Residents complained of lack of public participation in mining of limestone, gold, zinc and copper
• Munyes says mining plans have been stopped until all stakeholders agree
Petroleum and Mining Cabinet Secretary John Munyes has suspended mining licenses in West Pokot county to allow for public participation.
The decision follows uproar from local leaders and residents who say the county government sold land to private investors in seven areas where mining is expected to start soon.
The areas are Kiwawa, Alale, Marich, Iyoni, Chepkobhee, Tamkal and Posilo in Ortum.
Early this year, the Ministry of Petroleum issued a 42-day gazette notice for residents to make submissions.
The residents complained of lack of public participation on mining of limestone, gold, zinc and copper, raising political temperatures in the county.
Cemtech Company was allegedly granted mining rights to limestone deposits at Sebit, where a cement factory is to be set up.
Addressing the press in Kapenguria, CS Munyes said no land has been sold to any private investor in the county.
“Cemtech investors applied for the mining rights but we have not granted them,” he said.
He said all plans concerning mining have been stopped until all stakeholders meet and agree.
“We shall soon hold a stakeholders' meeting to deliberate on the issue. This county has several mineral deposits and the government is committed to ensure this region helps in developing the country’s economy,” Munyes said.
He disclosed that Simba Cement, a new investor, will take over work at Ortum Cement Factory .
“There has been fear that one investor had been issued a 99-year lease to mine in this county. We have halted all licences until public participation is done.”
He encouraged the new investor to bring on board all leaders, adding that minerals should benefit residents and develop the area.
“We are going to audit all 27 mining companies already operating in the area to ensure we work as a team with both the national and county governments and residents,” the CS said.
Mining Principal Secretary John Omenge told residents their land is still intact.
“The government will not carry out any project without public participation,” he said.
Pokot assembly speaker Catherine Mukenyang dispelled rumours about selling of their land, saying mining will take place only after all statutory procedures are adhered to.
“Nobody has taken the land. The long awaited report is out and the agreement is up to date,” she said.
However, lawyer Robert Katina said the deal was done secretly without the involvement of resdients.
Professionals claim there was no transparency in the mining deal between the county government and Cemtech investors.
“There was no public participation and we believe something fishy is cooking,” Katina said.