Barasa urges mining reforms as Shanta Gold project faces resistance

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. [File, Standard]

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has renewed calls for reforms in the county’s mining sector, urging greater support for artisanal miners and cautioning large-scale investors to prioritise community interests amid growing controversy surrounding the proposed Sh687 billion gold mining project by Shanta Gold Limited.

The governor made the remarks during a consultative meeting held at the County Chambers with representatives of the Artisanal Mining Committee drawn from Ikolomani, Shinyalu, and Lurambi sub-counties.

The delegation was led by Patrick Ligami, the Vice Chairperson of the Kenya National Chamber of Mines and Chairperson of the Kakamega County Artisanal Mining Committee.

The meeting focused on challenges facing small-scale miners and explored interventions aimed at strengthening the sector, which has long been a source of livelihood for thousands of families in Kakamega County.

Among the concerns raised by artisanal miners were delays in the issuance of mining permits, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to technical training, and weak coordination between the national and county governments in regulating mining activities.

Additionally, miners argued that bureaucratic hurdles have slowed investment and productivity in the sector, despite the county being home to some of Kenya’s most significant gold deposits.

Governor Barasa acknowledged the challenges and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting artisanal miners, whom he described as key players in the local economy.

“Mining remains an important economic activity in our county. We must continue engaging stakeholders to build an inclusive, well-coordinated, and sustainable mining sector that benefits both investors and local communities,” said Barasa.

He emphasised the need for continuous dialogue among government agencies, investors, and local communities to address emerging challenges and ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly.

The governor also stressed the importance of ensuring that communities hosting mining activities receive fair and meaningful royalties from the resources extracted from their land.

“For many years, local communities have watched resources being extracted with little direct benefit to them. We must ensure that residents receive their rightful share of royalties and opportunities arising from mining investments,” he said.

Barasa further challenged Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to introduce mining-related courses to equip young people and artisanal miners with the technical skills needed in the growing industry. 

According to the governor, specialised training would improve safety standards, boost productivity, and create employment opportunities for residents living within the county’s mining belt.

“Mining is becoming increasingly technical and technology-driven. We need our youth to acquire the skills required to participate meaningfully in the sector and benefit from the opportunities it presents,” said Barasa.

The governor urged Shanta to adopt modern mining technologies capable of minimising displacement and reducing the social impact of mining activities.

He emphasised that relocation should only be considered where necessary and that affected residents must be adequately compensated.

“Where displacement becomes unavoidable, residents must receive fair compensation and be treated with dignity. Mining development should not come at the expense of the welfare of local communities,” he said. 

The governor further called for stronger collaboration between investors, government agencies, and community leaders to build trust and address concerns surrounding the project.

The governor’s remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute over the proposed large-scale gold mining project by Shanta Gold Limited, which plans to exploit gold deposits estimated to be worth approximately Sh687 billion in Kakamega County.

The project, which is among the largest mining investments ever proposed in Kenya, has generated both excitement and controversy.

The state argues that the investment could transform the local economy by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and generating revenue for both the county and national governments.

However, the project has faced stiff resistance from some residents living in areas earmarked for mining operations, particularly in Ikolomani and surrounding regions.

Many locals have rejected proposals that would require them to relocate from ancestral land to pave the way for mining activities, citing inadequate public participation and insufficient consultation by the national government and project proponents.

Locals and landowners have accused authorities of rushing the process and failing to provide residents with adequate information regarding compensation, environmental impacts, and resettlement plans.

“The process is being conducted in secrecy. People are being asked to make decisions without being fully informed about the implications of the project,” said Peter Asinde.

Others have questioned the valuation of land and property likely to be affected by the project, arguing that any relocation should be voluntary, transparent and based on fair compensation.