Kenya to Prioritize Mining Investments with Local Value-Addition Plans

THARAKA NITHI COUNTY — The Kenyan government announced its plan to prioritize mining investments that include establishing local value-addition and mineral-processing centers, aiming to leverage the country’s mineral wealth to tackle unemployment and boost the economy.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Mining, this initiative seeks to incentivize investors to contribute to job creation in the mining sector by setting up plants and refineries within Kenya, enhancing the value of Kenyan minerals on both regional and international markets.

During a meeting in Tharaka Nithi County with Governor Muthomi Njuki and other local leaders, Mwangi detailed the government’s policy encouraging the development of local mineral processing capabilities. This policy is expected to catalyze job creation and elevate the market value of the country’s minerals. The government is urging investors to apply for licenses to exploit Kenya’s vast mineral resources, with priority given to those committed to establishing value-addition centers in the country.

The call for investment comes amid Kenya’s broader efforts to invest in value addition across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, livestock, and extraction, as part of its strategy to become an industrialized nation. Mwangi revealed that the department aims to process all mineral applications by April and emphasized the necessity for miners and dealers to secure the appropriate licenses to operate legally. The department has already received over 1,200 applications for mineral rights and is processing an additional 260 mineral dealing applications.

A collaborative agreement between the State Department and Tharaka Nithi County was also established during the meeting, leading to the creation of the region’s first state-of-the-art mineral laboratory. This partnership will see the county providing the necessary land and buildings, while the department will supply specialized equipment and expertise. Governor Njuki welcomed this development, highlighting the county’s rich mineral resources, including copper, iron ore, and lime, and its readiness to support mining investments with its abundant natural and human resources.

The initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing Kenya’s mining sector’s contribution to national development and economic growth, aligning with efforts to foster intergovernmental collaboration and support for communities in mining areas.