The government has started the process of compensating 1,400 Kerio Valley families evicted 40 years ago by Kenya Fluorspar Company.
The families were moved to allow the company's mining operations on the 9,774 hectares of land in Kimwarer, Elgeyo Marakwet county.
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A team from the Miming minsitry, National Land Commission and the Office of the Attorney General began meetings with those affected on Thursday.
Silas Kinoti, a commissioner with NLC, said the team will collect views from the people before compensation begins.
“We have come here to reassess the situation and ensure adequate compensation is given. We will do this in a participatory manner,” Kinoti said in Iten on Thursday.
He said the process will be fast-tracked to pave way for the resumption of fluorspar mining in the area.
The official noted the government is committed to ensuring the process is concluded in the next few days.
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deputy secretary at the ministry said the team will hold several meetings with affected families over a period of three days.
“We will listen to their concerns and share some of our findings," said Dan Mesis.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu had pledged that locals would be paid before the end of 2017 but this did not happen.
During a tour of the area in June last year, he said Sh1 billion has been set aside.
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Mesis said the process was delayed because aerial mapping had not been completed and that they were still consulting Treasury on funds for the compensation.
“A lot of work has been going on because resources are sought with respect to government structures.
Governor Alex Tolgos noted the process has been lengthy yet
locals want fluorspar mining to resume so that they get jobs.