Kiambu County Initiates Policy Development for Quarrying Regulation

KIAMBUI, Kenya – The Kiambu County government has established a technical committee tasked with creating a policy framework to regulate quarrying and mining activities within the county. Led by the Director of Natural Resources and Forestry, Mr. Samuel Wakangu, the committee aims to develop and implement policies and laws grounded in constitutional principles and industry best practices, focusing on responsible land and resource management.

According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is driven by the need to provide clear guidelines for the sustainable development of mineral resources, highlighting the county’s commitment to environmental preservation alongside economic growth. He pointed out the presence of diatomite deposits in Ndeiya and Karai but noted the necessity for further investment to explore additional unexploited deposits and other potential mineral resources, particularly in the arid regions of Limuru and Kabete constituencies.

Wakangu emphasized the importance of increased county government investment in the mining sector to enhance its financial contribution to the local economy. The committee’s mandate will also encompass a broad range of quarrying concerns, including mining rights, license and permit disputes, frameworks for quarrying agreements, and terms for mining activities and work programs.

Further aspects under consideration by the committee involve payment structures and policy implementation for small-scale mining operations, such as the extraction of ballast, gravel, murram, sand, and building stones, specifically in the Juja area.

This policy formulation exercise reaffirms the department’s dedication to balancing environmental conservation with the pursuit of responsible economic development. “Together, we can ensure that our natural heritage is protected for generations to come,” Wakangu concluded, underscoring the collective effort required to achieve sustainable mining practices in Kiambu County.