Members of the National Assembly's Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining have raised concerns over the effectiveness of the State Department for Mining in regulating the mining sector.
In a sitting with the State Department of Mining PS Elijah Mwangi, committee members led by the chairperson David Gikaria cited numerous cases in the sector.
Mwangi had appeared before members for deliberations on the proposed Gold Processing Bill and the Mining (Amendment) Bill.
The lawmakers directed that the PS move with speed to furnish the committee with a list of all licensed mining companies or dealers in the country, including their geographical locations.
"Many Kenyans are suffering at the expense of mining companies that are not adhering to regulations, as has been seen in parts of the country. Artisan miners or cooperatives are the most affected by those companies," Gikaria said.
Msambweni MP Feisal Bader noted that communities are entitled to 10 per cent of royalties, while county governments get 20 per cent but it has not been the case always.
“The PS needs to tell this committee what his Ministry of Mining has done so far,” he said.
Gatundu North legislator David Kururia raised concerns over a mushrooming black market in the sector.
"Chair, in other places like Dubai, precious stones like gold are a big business. Why can't the ministry in charge of mining in this country put in stringent measures to also allow Kenyans to engage transparently and earn a living from our mines? There is a lot of fear over conmanship in this country,” Kururia added.
In his response, the PS requested that the Committee drop the two Bills - The Gold Processing Bill and the Mining (Amendment) Bill saying they did not originate from the government.
"The view of the government is that we cannot have two amendments in the same year. These are private Bills chairs,” the PS said.
He clarified that any government-sponsored Bill must come from the Attorney General with representation from Parliament.
Gikaria advised that any good aspects of the two Bills should be carried out and included in any amendment plan.
