CS Joho warns foreign illegal miners operating in Nyanza
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Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Ali Joho has put foreign illegal miners on notice.
Speaking at Wich-Lum beach in Bondo, Siaya County on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Joho expressed concern over the influx of foreign illegal miners operating in the Nyanza region, warning that the activities must come to an end.
He noted that it was distasteful that the miners would seek illegal means thus denying the counties revenue for development.
The CS who has continuously advocated for legal mining in a move aimed at initiating key reforms to protect the country’s mineral resources, also stated that he has engaged relevant authorities to ensure that those involved in the illegal activities are arrested and presented in court.
The former Mombasa governor further stated that all miners should follow the right procedures including engaging the locals before proceeding to mine.
Joho further expressed optimism that mining, if done well, will benefit the regions economically.
“There is a lot of illegal mining activities happening in the Nyanza region. I have had a meeting with the regional police and the county commander and others, nimesema watu wetutisanal miners, wasiwai guswa wasisumbuliwe na wasaidiwe kusonga maisha mbele, lakini wale wakora wanaingia kuchukua rasilimali ya mwananchi, county government na kuacha rasilimali hapa or a reasonable amount of money to the people of Siaya, we have no time for them,” he said.