Gold rush transforms Pokot-Turkana border into trading hub

Pokot and Turkana miners at a gold pit in Kampi Karaya, where artisanal mining has ushered peace, unity, and development, on June 6, 2025. [Lucas Ngasike, Standard] 

The once-volatile Pokot–Turkana border, long scarred by gunfire and cattle raids, is undergoing an unexpected transformation.

The discovery of gold deposits in Turkwel, West Pokot County, has given rise to the little-known Katukomul market, now bustling with makeshift stalls, tents, and mining pits.

What was once a battlefield has become a thriving centre of trade and artisanal mining, with former rivals now working side by side.

Locals report that the gunshots that once echoed daily have faded away, replaced by the sounds of hammers and shovels.

Two months ago, the government suspended large-scale mining at more than 500 sites —including Kampi Karaya, Sekerr, Orwa, and Turkwel — citing rising fatalities, exploitation by investors, and environmental degradation.

In response to the ban, residents have turned to small-scale mining and business ventures, attracting thousands of people from as far as Uganda, Baringo and Masol.
Pokot and Turkana people are now good neighbours.

“We mine together, share profits, and even conduct business as one community,” said Robert Lonyala from Sekerr.

Gold mining has become a vital source of income for women like Pakia Ekhai, a Turkana married to a Pokot. “It has empowered women, reduced crime, and helped feed families,” she said.

Business is thriving, with traders setting up stalls to sell vegetables, food, and household goods. “Turkwel now has a new face because of gold,” noted Nancy Masaba, who has lived in the area for three years.

However, she expressed concern over the lack of toilets and clean water, explaining that residents rely on the river for both washing gold and drinking.

Despite the positive changes, environmental degradation, unlicensed operations, and unsafe mining pits continue to pose serious threats to lives.

Local leaders, including Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, Senator Julius Murgor, Woman Representative Rael Kasiwai, and former Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo, have welcomed the newfound peace and called for structured regulation through cooperatives such as the Mtello Society.

“Discovery of gold has achieved what decades of peace talks failed to do—unite two communities,” Lochakapong.