Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has moved to ease rising tension around the proposed Mrima Hill mining project after holding talks with community leaders and professionals from Kwale County, as concerns grow over land rights, environmental safety, and cultural heritage at the site.

The meeting took place after local stakeholders requested direct engagement with the government, amid fears that mining activities could disrupt livelihoods and sacred sites around Mrima Hill, one of the Coast region’s most sensitive cultural and ecological areas. Mrima Hill has in the past attracted national attention due to its mineral deposits and the disputes surrounding the exploitation of the area.

In a statement shared on X on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Joho said the meeting brought together elders, community groups, and professionals to lay the ground for public participation before any final decision is made.

“I held a productive consultative engagement with key stakeholders from Kwale County regarding the proposed Mrima Hill mining project, following their request for dialogue ahead of an inclusive and structured public participation process,” the statement reads.

Joho said the discussions allowed him to listen directly to voices from the ground, including traditional elders and organised community groups, who raised concerns about compensation, environmental protection, and how benefits from mining would be shared.

He explained that the forum brought together the leadership of the Kaya Mrima elders, representatives of the Mrima Community Forest Association, Kwale-based professionals, and members of the Kwale Mining Alliance, all of whom presented their views on the project.

“The meeting allowed me to hear from the leadership of the Kaya Mrima elders, representatives of the Mrima Community Forest Association, Kwale professionals, and members of the Kwale Mining Alliance. During our discussion, I clearly outlined the Government’s position on mining, including land compensation and the framework for equitable sharing of mineral royalties,” he stated.

The Mining CS said the government would not allow any shortcuts when it comes to mining projects, stressing that the law must be followed and communities protected from harm.

He reiterated that any activity at Mrima Hill would be guided strictly by existing laws and environmental safeguards, noting that cultural heritage remains a priority.

“I reaffirmed my commitment that any mining activity in the area will strictly adhere to the Mining Act, with full consideration given to environmental sustainability, social safeguards, and the preservation of cultural heritage. I emphasised that the interests and well-being of local communities will remain paramount in all mining projects,” he stated.

Joho was accompanied by senior officials from the State Department for Mining, led by Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, during the engagement. Kwale County Commissioner David Rotich and Lunga Lunga Deputy County Commissioner Christopher Siele were also present, signalling coordination between national and local administrators.