At least five women lost their lives on Monday, March 3, after a gold mine collapsed at the Lumba gold mining site in North Ramba, Rarieda sub-county, Siaya County. One woman remains missing, with ongoing efforts to retrieve her, authorities have confirmed.
The tragedy unfolded in the afternoon when a group of six female artisanal miners entered a tunnel in search of gold. Without warning, the mining shaft caved in, burying them alive. Local residents rushed to the scene to attempt a rescue, managing to retrieve five bodies after hours of effort. However, the whereabouts of the sixth woman remain unknown, and officials fear she may also be dead.
Siaya County Police Commander Serah Koki confirmed the incident, stating that multi-agency teams had been deployed to aid in the search for the missing miner and investigate the cause of the collapse. The retrieved bodies have been taken to the Bondo sub-county hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
This accident comes barely a week after a similar tragedy in Rera village, Gem Wagai sub-county, where three miners lost their lives. These incidents have sparked growing concerns over the safety of artisanal miners in the region.
Gold mining remains a critical source of livelihood for many residents in Siaya, Migori, Kakamega, Moyale, West Pokot, Isiolo, and Taita Taveta counties. However, the industry is plagued by dangerous working conditions, lack of safety measures, and inadequate government oversight. Experts warn that the tunnels where miners work are structurally weak and prone to collapse, especially during rainy seasons.
Government agencies, including the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), have repeatedly issued directives for miners to halt operations until environmental impact assessments are conducted. Additionally, officials have urged miners to obtain proper licenses and cease the use of heavy machinery, which weakens mining sites. Despite these warnings, many miners continue their activities, citing economic necessity.
As authorities work to regulate artisanal mining, urgent measures are needed to enhance safety and prevent further loss of lives. Increased enforcement of mining regulations, improved safety training, and alternative economic opportunities for residents could help mitigate these recurring tragedies.
