By Peter Ochieng
The government in working round the clock to set up refining factories in mining regions, so as to process raw materials into more valuable finished items.
Addressing residents of Ikolomani, Kakamega county on Monday, David Gikaria, chairman of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining said the move will increase the value of raw materials.
“Establishment of factories is a strategic initiative that aims not only to increase the value of raw minerals but also to create employment opportunities and alleviate exploitation by middlemen,” said Gikaria, the Nakuru Town East Members of Parliament (MP).
He was accompanied by members of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining for a public participation exercise on Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Gold Processing Bill, 2023.
Ikolomani is widely known as a gold producing region. Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali is the sponsor of the Gold Processing Bill, 2023. He was present during the public participation forum.
Gikaria said value addition is seen as a game-changer, promising high returns for communities endowed with rich mineral deposits.
“These industries will also be a relief to artisanal miners who have long been at the mercy of intermediaries. With industries in place, locals are set to reap the rewards first-hand, eliminating the exploitation of brokers,” he added.
He also hinted at the establishment of local laboratories in the near future to test the quality of the minerals.
On the other hand, acknowledging the need for corporate social responsibility (CSR), the association of artisanal miners advocated for policies holding investors accountable for giving back to society.
This recommendation aims to channel a portion of profits into community development projects, thereby fostering social cohesion and sustainable growth.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the environmental impact of mining activities.
Some of the residents said that utilization of community land for mining has resulted in huge tracts of land being left unusable due to open quarries, prompting calls for stringent regulations on land reclamation to boost environmental conservation efforts.
Similar exercise was undertaken simultaneously in Voi,Taita Taveta County by a section of committee members.
Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly’s Public Investment Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy have convened in Mombasa to examine the Audited Accounts for FY 2020/2021 to 2021/2022 of Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC).
The Committee Chaired by Hon. David Pkosing (Pokot South) will scrutinize KPC’s books of accounts, and is expected to engage the Kenya Ports Authority on FY 2029/2020 to 2020/2021.
In attendance at the Committee meeting are technical officers from the office of the Auditor General and National Treasury.