Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has assured Kwale County leaders that no investor has been identified for the Mrima Hills mining project, and that the process will remain transparent and competitive.

Mrima Hills is believed to contain significant deposits of rare earth elements and other strategic minerals critical for modern infrastructure and global energy transition efforts.

In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, January 16, 2026, CS Joho said he held a consultative meeting with members of the Kwale County Assembly as part of ongoing engagement on the proposed mining project.

“Today I held a consultative meeting with members of the Kwale County Assembly led by Speaker Hon. Seth Mwatela Kamanza and the county leadership as part of our ongoing engagement on the proposed Mrima hills mining project,” Joho stated.

No investor selected

The Cabinet Secretary provided an update on the project’s status, emphasising that the selection process has not yet begun.

“We outlined the current status of the project and the way forward, reaffirming that no investor has been identified, no mining licence issued, and no agreement signed,” he said.

Joho reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the process delivers maximum benefit to Kwale residents and the country.

“I emphasised the Government’s commitment to a transparent and competitive process that delivers maximum benefit to the people of Kwale and the nation,” the CS stated.

Strategic mineral opportunities

Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, who accompanied CS Joho to the meeting, highlighted the mineral development opportunities available in Kwale County.

“The Principal Secretary for Mining, Mr Kimtai Harry, highlighted mineral development opportunities in Kwale County, underscoring its strategic importance,” Joho said.

The CS expressed satisfaction with the alignment between the national government and county leadership on the project’s implementation approach.

“I am encouraged by our shared alignment with the County Assembly to work together towards a safe, transparent and sustainable mining project,” he stated.

The meeting was attended by Speaker Seth Mwatela Kamanza, county leadership, national and county administrators, and technical officers from the State Department for Mining.