Mining law to be in place by July, says Balala

Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, shown in Nairobi on January 29, 2014, when he received a report by the Government Task Force that was set up to review the prospecting, exploration and mining licence agreements. PHOTO / SALATON NJAU

What you need to know:

  • The existing Mining Act was designed to protect the interests colonists at the expense of local communities.

New mining laws are expected to become operational in the next two months, Cabinet Secretary for Mining Najib Balala said Wednesday.

He said enactment of the Mining Bill will ensure communities are not exploited.

The existing Mining Act was designed to protect the interests of the colonial government at the expense of local communities.

“As a government, we cannot allow that to continue. We have come up with new laws that will ensure local communities are adequately compensated by mining companies,” said Mr Balala.

He spoke in Ikolomani constituency, Kakamega East district, when he toured a gold mining site run by the African Barric Gold Exploration.

Mr Balala later toured the Rosterman mines to meet youths who mostly prospect for gold in abandoned mines.

GOLD DIGGERS

He said new policies and guidelines had been developed to enhance safety during mining.

The ongoing exploration would determine whether substantial deposits of gold existed before the firm can start mining.

“The government is ready to support firms licensed to carry out exploration and mining of minerals and other resources in the country, but the communities must be protected against exploitation by some unscrupulous operators,” said Mr Balala.

He was accompanied by the county executive for Water and Environment, Peninah Mukabane, and the Commissioner for Mines Moses Njeru.