Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen
has issued a stern warning to illegal miners in Turkana and West Pokot
counties, saying their days are numbered.
He instructed the relevant security agencies to arrest those
engaging in commercial mining despite the activity being halted over a lack of
necessary licenses.
“We want to ensure this is a sector properly organised. The
local community is not going to get anything if it’s not managed well,” said
the CS.
Likewise, Murkomen also stressed that the government will
only get its share if the sector is properly regulated. Miners without licences
are required to have the right documents.”
He noted that the small miners are allowed to mine, but those
doing commercial mining were stopped. However, some people continue to do it at
night with the protection of the militia.
Mining activity in Turkana and West Pokot counties,
particularly along the border, was halted due to safety concerns and illegal
operations.
This followed a series of fatal accidents and concerns about
environmental pollution. As a result, the government ordered the closure of
illegal mines and is enforcing licensing requirements.
