Plans to open the Kenya Flourspar Mining Company has raised hopes in Kerio Valley area with residents hoping for better lives in the near future.
More than 20,000 people in the area were affected by the collapse of the giant mining in 2016.
The firm employed more than 3,000 people directly and indirectly, with thousands benefitting as casual labourers and transporters.
John Kiprotich, a resident, narrated how life in the region had changed after the firm collapsed due to lack of markets for its products internationally.
“The collapse of the company was a major blow to us and life has never been the same again. We have increased poverty, poor roads and collapsed businesses and many other challenges brought about by the collapse," Kiprotich said.
The private mining firm laid off workers as it tried to sell off stocks of 30,000 tonnes of fluorspar minerals.
Fluorspar mineral is used in making steel, aluminium and refrigerant gases.
There is, however, a ray of hope for the affected community in Kerio Valley after the government announced that it would support Elgeyo Marakwet county to revive the collapsed company.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the company is among industries identified for revival by the government so as to boost the local economy.
Mvurya met Governor Wesley Rotich who paid him a courtesy call to discuss the revival of the firm.
The CS said he would be visiting the county for a fact-finding mission at the factory soon.
"I am happy because of the initial efforts by the county in trying to see that the factory resumes operations. The priority for the Kenya Kwanza government is to help such industries to start producing again,” Mvurya said.
Rotich said the collapse of the factory in 2016 meant economic disaster, particularly for the thousands of employees and residents of Chepsirei in Kerio Valey who heavily depended on the mining company for their livelihood.
The governor said he has already put in place a task force which was collecting views from residents on how best to revive the company.
"Intervention from the ministry for a speedy reopening of the factory is welcome. I look forward for the quick opening of the factory. Its operations will [revive] the economy of the region,” Rotich said.
He said several families who relied on the factory have turned to paupers.
Philemon Kandie, another resident, recalls how the area which was once envied by many has turned into a ghost village.
"Our market centres used to be very active but now everywhere there are deserted rental homes and rotting lorries that used to ferry the minerals. It is a devastating scene. Please help us reopen the factory," Kandie said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
