State mulls establishment of ceramic factory in Murang’a
Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy intends to set up a factory in Murang’a which will be used to make ceramic items from the kaolin soil and clay which are mined in the area.
The Principal Secretary for Mining Elijah Mwangi (pictured) said they are negotiating with the County government for it to allocate land where the factory can be established.
He said investors from outside the county have been mining the two minerals to make products for sale yet the same can be done locally and generate income for the locals and the government as well. Clay is mined in Mugori and kaolin in Gaturi. According to Mwangi some locals have been into pottery but they haven’t been getting good returns from the venture.
“The locals are usually exploited as the raw materials are bought at a throw away price and thus the need for value addition to make more money,” he disclosed.
“Investors carry the minerals to go make products and they make huge fortunes out of them but the local person here is still wallowing in poverty,” added the Ps.
Mwangi said the ceramic production venture has not been explored for decades despite its enormous economic potential and it can be a game change for the county.
He said the ministry will source funds for equipping the factory, adding that the locals will also be trained on making the products such as tiles, plates, cups among other items.
The PS also said the ministry has launched a Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) across the country targeting the miners who are not licensed.'
Operating license
The RRI is a coordinated exercise designed to streamline and enhance the licensing process for artisanal miners, co-operatives, and mineral processors across the nation’s 47 counties. The exercise, Mwangi explained is meant to ensure all miners are registered and issued with an operating license and this will help do away with illegal mining.
He added that the miners who have formed groups will be benefiting from funds to buy equipment for their work and marketing their products will be easier.
“We are urging the miners to form groups which will enable them to access funds from the government and other attached benefits,” Mwangi stated. A valid license is mandatory for miners engaged in mineral trading, processing, exploration, and exploitation.
