Pact on coal signed paving way for mining

By ABIGAEL SUM

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Ministry of Energy and Chinese firm Fenxi Mining Industry Company have signed the Benefits Sharing Agreements, which paves way for coal mining in Mwingi, Kitui County.

The signing of the pact at Musila Gardens in Mwingi Town was lauded as the best Christmas gift for residents.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said coal mining would benefit the community.

He said the project is expected to trigger an industrial revolution in the country by bringing down the cost of energy and creating thousands of jobs. “A lot needs to be done to ensure the local community is involved in the project as well as guarantee that they benefit from it. To be able to mine coal, title deeds have to be issued, people have to be compensated and settled as well as ensure that environment impact assessment is conducted,” said Chirchir.

Hungry for development

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka urged leaders from the county to unite regardless of their political affiliations

“We believe in coexistence and tolerance. We are not talking of Jubilee or Wiper, we are more concerned with saving our people from poverty. The Government needs to work very fast to make sure this project is realised because we are hungry for development,” said Kalonzo.

“What caused disagreement initially was the secrecy in which the deal was carried out. But once we were involved in the negotiations, we were able to raise our concerns and an agreement was reached,” said Kitui Governor Julius Malombe. Moyale MP Roba Duba, who is also the vice-chair of House Energy Committee, however, said there is need to minimise bureaucracies in Government to avoid stalling development.

He pointed out that some of the lengthy procedures can be collapsed for the benefit of the people.

“We are talking of something that began in 1996 but got stuck along the way because of bureaucracies. Coal mining and its benefits should have been available more than 10 years ago. We need to change our mindset and how the Government works,” said Duba.

Duba warned leaders against involving in graft. Kitui Central MP Makali Muli described the signing of the pact as a blessing to the county, noting it will lead to construction of an airstrip, roads, schools as well as development of electricity.

Kitui Senator David Musila reiterated the need to involve the community in compensation and resettlement plan. “We urge the Government to fast-track issuance of title deeds before the mining process commences so that the issue of land ownership is sorted out,” he said.

Yang Wusheng, Vice Chairman of Fenxi company, assured that he will work with the Government and the local community in developing a Resettlement Action Plan that addresses compensation of residents of Mui Basin.