Government Reaffirms Illegality of Mining in Hillo-Marsabit

The government has reiterated that all mining activities in Hillo, Marsabit County, are illegal, with strict measures in place to enforce the ban. Marsabit County Commissioner (CC) James Kamau emphasized that no human activities, apart from security operations, are permitted at the gold mining sites.

Commissioner Kamau warned that any deviation from this directive would result in severe disciplinary action against law enforcement officers responsible for upholding the ban. He expressed concern over continued reports of fatalities at the mines despite a gazette notice and successive directives from the Cabinet Secretary for Interior prohibiting mining activities.

During a fact-finding visit with the county security team and officials from Moyale and Sololo sub-counties, Kamau was dismayed to find active mining sites, indicating a lack of enforcement since the ban was imposed in mid-March this year. Artisanal miners were found extracting gold but fled upon the arrival of the security teams.

Kamau ordered the establishment of three multi-sectoral formations composed of personnel from the Kenya Police Service, Border Patrol Unit, Kenya Forest Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, General Service Unit, and Kenya Defence Forces to enforce the ban. He stressed that the 13 mining sites in Dabel location are dangerous and urged miners and speculators to stay away.

KEEP READING: Tragedy Strikes as Religious Event Crush Kills Over 120, Mostly Women

“We cannot afford to continue to report failure in our duties,” Kamau stated, warning that anyone facilitating illegal entry into the prohibited area would be dismissed. He called on officers to demonstrate nationalistic behavior by executing their duties effectively.

The ban aims to protect lives, the environment, and the precious national resource. Kamau ordered the immediate closure of approximately 30 gold-crashing sites that have emerged at Dabel trading center and instructed the police to crack down on operators violating the ban.

“Nobody should attempt to access the prohibited area until further notice,” he cautioned.