By John Kariuki
The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Mining, Elijah Mwangi, has emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating criminal activities in the mining sector, calling it a critical step toward ensuring that Kenya’s vast mineral resources contribute significantly to economic growth and national development.
Speaking during the official opening of a two-day induction workshop for officers in the Mining Police Unit (MPU) in Nairobi, PS Mwangi highlighted the importance of enhancing surveillance, monitoring, enforcement, and investigative capacity within the sector. The workshop, led by the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, H.E. Hassan Ali Joho, also marked the historic unveiling of a specialized team of officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to bolster the MPU’s operations.
CS Joho underscored the mining sector’s pivotal role in accelerating Kenya’s economic transformation. However, he acknowledged the sector’s challenges, including illegal mining, misdeclaration of minerals, non-payment of royalties, exploitation of mining communities, environmental degradation, and concealment of production data.
“These issues undermine the sector’s potential. Tackling them head-on is imperative to unlock the value of Kenya’s mineral resources,” the CS remarked.
The MPU, now strengthened by specialized DCI investigators, is poised to tackle serious offenses, including cross-border and transnational mineral smuggling. The unit is also expected to intensify its fight against fraudulent mineral dealings and dismantle networks of illegal mining operators across Kenya’s 47 counties.
In his remarks, CS Joho reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce compliance with the Mining Act and related regulations. He warned that severe legal penalties, including forfeiture of equipment and illegally acquired wealth, await lawbreakers in the sector. “The government will not compromise on demanding full compliance as part of cleaning up the mining industry,” he stated.
The induction workshop and unveiling of the specialized investigative team reflect the government’s broader efforts to reform the mining sector. PS Mwangi reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to eliminating all illegalities in mining operations, safeguarding environmental integrity, and ensuring that Kenyans reap the economic benefits of their country’s mineral wealth.
“The Mining Police Unit now stands ready to spearhead reforms and combat offenses in the sector. We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the rights of Kenyans and maximize the sector’s contribution to national development,” PS Mwangi concluded.
This development marks a significant step in ensuring Kenya’s mineral resources are managed responsibly and contribute to sustainable growth and prosperity.