Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, spouse of Deputy President Rigathi, led a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the mining sector in Migori County. During the certification of mining cooperatives at the Osiri Mining and Marketing Cooperative Society office grounds, she emphasized the importance of education and cooperative organization among miners.
In her address, Pastor Dorcas passionately urged the local boys, especially those of school-going age, to prioritize their education before venturing into the mining industry. “I plead with my boychild of the school-going ages to first seek education before getting into mining. We should also address the cases of child labour in the mining sector,” she said, highlighting the critical need to eradicate child labour and ensure that education remains a top priority for the youth.
She stressed the importance of formal recognition for skills acquired through experience, advocating for accreditation of prior learning. “There is a need for accreditation for prior learning so that we can also handle cases of people who are Africans where people just get the experience but have no licenses that can identify them. Let us have a syllabus for our technical training so that we can equip those in the mining sector,” she added, calling for the development of a structured syllabus for technical training in mining.
Pastor Dorcas also encouraged the miners to join cooperatives, explaining that such organizations can facilitate their work and provide necessary support. “I also urge you to join cooperatives so that it can make it easier for your work. There will be an officer around who will help you with the necessary documents,” she said. Her call to action underscored the potential of cooperatives to streamline operations, improve safety standards, and enhance overall productivity in the mining sector.
In a tangible demonstration of support, Pastor Dorcas issued licenses for mineral processing, mining permits, and distributed essential safety gear, including gloves, reflectors, and headgear, to the miners. She also handed over a vehicle designated for mining services in Migori County, marking a significant boost to the local mining infrastructure.
Moreover, she urged the youth to adopt innovative practices that prioritize environmental conservation. “I also urge you to join cooperatives so that it can make it easier for your work. There will be an officer around who will help you with the necessary documents,” she reiterated, emphasizing the dual benefits of cooperative membership and environmental stewardship.
The event, marked by the issuance of critical resources and licenses, underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the mining community in Migori County. By advocating for education, formal training, and cooperative efforts, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi aims to foster a more sustainable, safe, and prosperous mining industry, benefiting the local community and the broader economy.
