In Garissa, a growing chorus of leaders and elders is urging the government to lift the year-old ban on gypsum mining, imposed after increased insecurity in the county’s mining areas. The call comes from a coalition led by Mohamed Aress, a former MP aspirant for Balambala constituency, who argues that the ban has hindered local and national economic benefits.
The ban, enacted by the Regional Security Committee and the County Government in August 2023, was a response to a series of violent clashes at mining sites. These incidents resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and prompted the authorities to suspend mining operations in a bid to curb further violence. However, Aress and other leaders believe the ban has had severe repercussions for the community, undermining significant economic contributions from the gypsum mining sector.
Aress highlighted the critical role gypsum mining has played in the local economy. “Gypsum mining has been a cornerstone of our local and national tax revenues,” he said. “These funds have been vital in supporting public services and infrastructure projects across the county.” He added that the mining industry had provided substantial benefits to local communities, including employment for young people, food and water supply during droughts, and support for educational initiatives like the building of madrasas and payment for teachers.
The leaders are calling on Hassan Joho, the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Mining, to develop policies that would enable the resumption of gypsum mining operations. They are also advocating for value addition initiatives within the coastal and northeastern regions to enhance the economic impact of gypsum mining. This, they argue, would not only support local businesses but also contribute to broader regional development.
“Our communities used to benefit from the mining companies,” Aress said. “We used to see how they would employ our youth, support our schools, and provide essential services. We believe there is no direct correlation between the insecurity in Garissa town and mining activities in more remote parts like Balambala, Korakora, and Alinjugur. Insecurity should not be used as a pretext to prevent legitimate companies from operating, especially when so many people depend on these activities for their livelihoods.”
Aress and the other leaders also advocate for a crackdown on illegal mining activities. They assert that unlicensed miners are the primary source of the insecurity that plagued the mining sector, rather than the licensed companies. They urge the government to deter these illegal operations and ensure that only authorized, regulated mining companies are allowed to resume their activities.
The proposed lifting of the ban and resumption of gypsum mining are seen as crucial steps toward revitalizing the local economy. “By reinstating gypsum mining,” Aress emphasized, “we aim to restore economic vitality and support sustainable development. Our goal is to balance environmental stewardship with economic prosperity, ensuring that natural resources are managed responsibly while enhancing the well-being of our pastoralist communities.”
As the government considers these appeals, the focus will be on finding a solution that addresses both the security concerns and the pressing economic needs of Garissa. The leaders’ call reflects a broader desire to reconcile the benefits of mining with the imperative of maintaining safety and security in the region.
The outcome of this dialogue will likely shape the future of gypsum mining in Garissa and determine the path forward for balancing economic interests with community safety.
