A brewing conflict has emerged within Kenya’s mining sector as key players voice strong opposition to the government’s latest push for tighter regulations.
The Kenya Chamber of Mines (KCM) has criticized the government’s recent regulatory measures, describing them as unjust and detrimental to the industry.
Tensions escalated following an operation ordered by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, during which authorities raided a Nairobi warehouse. The operation led to the arrest of four individuals accused of illegal mineral dealings.
Among those detained were three Chinese nationals and one Kenyan, who were reportedly attempting to sell minerals such as copper, lead, zinc, and iron.
KCM has accused the Ministry of Mining of breaching trust. The chamber claims that mining companies were asked to disclose their stock as part of a government initiative, which they did willingly. However, the government later conducted raids on their premises, sparking concerns about the ministry’s transparency.
The chamber further alleged that the ministry, alongside mining police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), valued the seized minerals at over Ksh200 million, branding them illegal.
KCM Chairperson Patrick Kanyoro disputed this figure, claiming the actual value was only Ksh4 million. He accused the government of misleading the public and undermining the industry’s credibility.
Kanyoro also expressed frustration with the licensing process, highlighting repeated delays despite the sector’s significant contributions to the economy.
“Mining is not a recreational activity; it is a source of livelihood,” Kanyoro stated, adding, “Does lacking a license make me a criminal? Why has my application not been processed?”
In response to these challenges, miners have written an open letter to President William Ruto, urging him to intervene in Joho’s policy actions.
“When investors, both local and international, are forced to pursue a Cabinet Secretary in Kenya or abroad for license approvals, it indicates a serious problem that demands urgent attention,” the letter read.
KCM has also announced plans to challenge the government’s actions in court to seek justice for the industry.
