Players in the mining sector are facing challenges in getting approvals from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs despite efforts from the state to reform the industry.

A lobby in the mining sector is urging the government to fast-track the process of establishing and licensing mining activities in Kenya as this is devastating the industry.

Mining Engineers Society of Kenya (MESK) warns that the impending closure of Kenya’s largest mining company Base Titanium in Kwale County should be a wakeup call to the government as it would result in significant job losses and a sharp drop in government revenue from the mining sector.

Joseph Komu, chairman of the lobby group emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting that communities living around the mine site would be the most affected by the closure.

“There should be an urgency to fast-track the licensing of the already vetted mining companies in the county, especially now that Base Titanium is winding down. Currently, we have a major backlog, and if this continues, many qualified mining personnel in Kenya will have no jobs. With the government’s push for youth employment, sectors like mining need to be prioritised,” he said.