In an intensified crackdown on illegal mining, seven Chinese nationals were arrested on Wednesday at an unauthorized gold mining site in Sigor, West Pokot. The operation, led by the Mining Police Unit, underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate the sector and ensure compliance with mining laws.
Unit Commander Fatuma Hadi confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects would be presented in a Kapenguria court before deportation. “They are illegally operating a mining site in Sigor, West Pokot. We have intensified operations on mining sites across the country to ensure we get proper returns. The sites must also be compliant,” she asserted.
The Kenyan government has been conducting regular inspections at mining sites to curb illegal operations and enforce safety regulations. Last year, Sigor Member of Parliament Peter Lochakapong led calls for stricter oversight, emphasizing that all commercial mining activities must be legally licensed and environmentally assessed before operations commence.
The presence of illegal mining activities in Kenya has raised multiple concerns, particularly regarding safety and environmental impact. Dozens of miners lose their lives annually due to unsafe working conditions. One of the latest incidents occurred on February 10 in Homa Bay, where four miners perished after venturing into a dangerously deep, 900-foot hole in search of gold. These accidents are often linked to unsafe machinery use and the lack of protective gear, including oxygen cylinders and structurally sound equipment.
To mitigate such risks, the government has reinforced its oversight of the mining sector. The Mining Police Unit is tasked with ensuring that prospectors, miners, and dealers adhere to the law. Additionally, authorities have directed all mining activities to undergo environmental impact assessments by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) before operations can proceed.
Kenya’s mineral sector is a vital contributor to the economy, with legal artisanal and small-scale mining generating approximately KSh 30 billion in 2023. The country is rich in mineral deposits, including gold, copper, silver, titanium, manganese, and nickel, with significant reserves in Kakamega, Migori, Vihiga, West Pokot, and parts of northern Kenya.
The crackdown on illegal mining aligns with broader reforms aimed at streamlining the sector. Recent measures have included the shutdown of 3,000 illegal entities, nationwide mineral geo-surveys, and the classification of mineral smuggling as an economic crime.
With authorities tightening regulations, the government hopes to safeguard miners, protect the environment, and maximize revenue from Kenya’s rich mineral resources.
