MARSABIT, Kenya — In a significant move to regulate and enhance the economic benefits of mining activities in Marsabit County, the government has gazetted Illo area, Dabel division, as an artisanal mining zone. This initiative aims to organize mining operations in the region, which is rich in minerals such as gold, chromite, mica, beryllium, and a variety of gemstones, into a structured and economically viable sector for the community and the nation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Peterlis Osamba, the decision to formalize Illo as an artisanal mining area is part of broader efforts to address the unregulated extraction of valuable minerals that has led to security concerns, environmental degradation, and loss of revenue. Speaking at a training workshop for law enforcement officers from Marsabit County on mining-related issues, Osamba highlighted the government’s intention to harness the mineral potential in the area through the enforcement of the Mining Act of 2016. This includes creating employment opportunities and generating revenue, while also implementing measures to mitigate climate change impacts.
The workshop revealed that about 80 percent of the population around the rapidly expanding Illo mining town consists of illegal migrants from neighboring countries, posing challenges to both security and the local economy. To counteract this, the government has restricted mining activities to licensed miners and has collaborated with various agencies, including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the National Police Service, to create a conducive environment for artisanal mining.
Eng. Osamba also noted that environmental responsibility among miners has been negligible, with land clearing for mining, construction of makeshift shelters, and charcoal burning exacerbating the fragile ecosystem. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) expressed concern over the hunting of small game by migrants, further stressing the need for environmental protection measures.
The government’s approach includes educating residents on the benefits of operating as registered groups and empowering them to form cooperative societies, with seven such groups already initiated across the county. This strategy is designed to streamline operations within a legal framework, protect miners from exploitation by cartels, and prevent revenue losses.
A County Artisanal Mining Committee has been established to oversee the artisanal mining sector in Marsabit, ensuring the sustainable harnessing of mineral resources. The committee will play a crucial role in issuing and revoking artisanal mining permits, in collaboration with law enforcement to enforce mining regulations effectively.
County Commissioner Nobert Komora highlighted the urgent need to address poor sanitation and environmental degradation in the mining areas. He emphasized the importance of law enforcement in safeguarding the country’s wealth from illegal activities and ensuring the mining sector contributes positively to Kenya’s development.