House urged to look into two mining sector Bills

Parliament has been urged to prioritise debate on two proposed Bills, which could set the legal framework for the mining industry. The House reconvenes next week.

Geological Society of Kenya chairperson Gladys Kianji on Monday said the proposed Mining Bill and the Special Economic Zones Bill were urgent as they would address various communities’ concerns over, say, the multi-billion coal mining project in Kitui County.

She said the Bills that are at the Attorney General‘s office should be the guide as Parliament debates the coal concession awarded to a Chinese firm by the Energy ministry. (Read: New regulations give local investors a stake in mining industry)

The geological society has stepped in to provide a professional voice by organising a three-day mines and minerals clinic in Kitui County to create awareness among residents on the dynamics of the mining project, which has been dogged by controversy.

“If proper mining laws were in place, the coal mining disputes in court would not have arisen,” Ms Kianji told the residents, who turned up for the clinic at Kitui High School.

Six people have moved to court to stop the project after two delegations of community representatives visited China and compiled conflicting reports on the firm’s capacity.

The six are contesting the suitability of Fenxi Mining Company to undertake the project while also questioning the process through which the firm was awarded the tender.