‘Crackdown aimed at curbing illicit mining gaining significant momentum’ – CS Joho

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Ali Hassan Joho has said the ongoing crackdown on illicit excavation of minerals is gaining momentum.
On January 9, 2025, Joho launched the Mining Police Unit (MPU), whose main objective is to fight against illegal resource exploitation across the country and ensure compliance within the sector.
In a post on X on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the former Mombasa County Governor hailed the impact of the police unit that seized containers in Mombasa with false declaration.
According to the CS, the containers had minerals that were aimed for export to China before they were seized.
“The ongoing crackdown aimed at curbing the illicit exploitation of our country’s mineral resources is gaining significant momentum by the day.
“I am encouraged that the revamped Mining Investigation Unit today seized five containers at the Port of Mombasa with false declaration of their contents. Investigations reveal that the containers carrying copper, which were transported by road from Nairobi to Mombasa, were intended for export to China.
“Copper is not only a high-value mineral but also a strategic resource. Its illegal exploitation denies the country vital revenue that is needed for national development.
“We are once again sending out a clear and strong message to illegal miners, dealers, and their accomplices that these illegal activities will face the full force of the law,” Joho said.
Minerals
Joho, in a separate statement, revealed that a recent survey shows the country has valuable minerals like uranium and copper.
“It is encouraging that our most recent geophysical survey revealed the presence of critical and strategic minerals, including uranium, copper, coltan, nickel, niobium, lithium, tantalum, tin, tsavorite, graphite, chromite, thorium, and rare earth,” he said.
Investment
The former Kisauni Member of Parliament is in South Africa for the 2025 Indaba Conference, where he also met a number of potential investors.

“I had a productive investors breakfast meeting with representatives of various mining companies and consulting firms on the sidelines of the Indaba 2025 Mining Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
“During the meeting, I seized the opportunity to promote our country as an emerging regional mining and trading hub. I highlighted our immense comparative advantages, including a progressive legislative framework, robust logistics, and infrastructural strengths.
“Our discussion emphasized the importance of positioning the mining sector as a key avenue for wealth creation and sustainable economic growth,” Joho said.