The new Petroleum and Mining CS John Munyes on Tuesday pledged to turn Kenya into a World mining destination in just two years.
Munye's
said it will be all systems go after the ongoing
national survey of all minerals in the country is concluded.
He
said the mapping out of the minerals will enable the ministry to have
a scientific atlas and a database showing all the types of minerals in the country and where they are located.
"It will be a challenge for this ministry and Kenyans to now look for investors to explore these minerals," Munyes said when he took over the
ministry from outgoing CS Dan Kazungu at the ministry's offices.
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The CS said mining is a game-changer for the country in terms of jobs and wealth creation.
Munyes said the dream of Kenya producing
oil by 2022 is achievable
and on
course.
"I am very confident with the progress. I want to thank the investors and government for the effort. We want to work within the framework - most urgent is to ensure this Petroleum Bill is quickly brought to Parliament, get it approved then take it down to the public, engage the communities, sensitise them about it," Munyes said.
He pointed out areas of focus including engaging the communities to support the extractive sector,
the issue of transport, fast-tracking the Petroleum Act which he said is coming to Parliament in the next one week.
"The moment we have done all that, and it is already oil waiting to be transported, they will look at the infrastructure now. The
long-term
plan is to pipe oil from Lokichar to Lamu but that will happen after we engage the communities for them to see the benefits," Munyes said.
Munyes said the major challenge in mining remains hostility by host communities.
Geologists and licenced exploration firms have been barred from carrying out such exercise in some areas.
"I am facing challenges all the time even in my home county [Turkana] where a licence is given but there is somebody stopping geologist and our experts from conducting that kind of exercise.
We need to get out as a ministry to sensitise the public, tell them of the benefits that accrue from this sector," Munyes said.
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