Mining CS Hassan Joho issues stern warning to Siaya illegal miners and calls on chiefs to stay vigilant
![Mining CS Hassan Joho issues stern warning to Siaya illegal miners and calls on chiefs to stay vigilant](https://peopledaily.digital/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CS-Hassan-Joho-768x528.jpeg)
Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has sounded the alarm on illegal mining activities in Nyanza, warning that such operations will no longer be tolerated.
Speaking in Siaya on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Joho condemned the rising number of illegal miners using large machinery without consulting local communities, emphasizing that their activities are detrimental to the region.
He instructed local chiefs to increase patrols and remain vigilant, urging them to report illegal mining activities immediately so that action can be taken.
“Kazi yenu machief si kutoa vitambulisho tu. Kazi ya machief ni kuingia mashinani na kucollect information. If someone anaiba kwa uchumi wetu it is your responsibility to act. Mtu yeyote ambaye anachukua madini kwa njia ambayo haieleweki anafaa akamatwe,” Joho said.
Joho revealed that he had met with the regional police and county commanders to ensure heightened surveillance of illegal mining while supporting local artisanal miners.
He emphasized the need for a balance between cracking down on illegal miners and allowing artisanal miners to continue their work without hindrance.
“There is a lot of illegal mining happening in the Nyanza region,” Joho said.
“I have met with regional police and county commanders, and we’ve agreed to keep a close watch on the situation. Our artisanal miners must be supported, but illegal miners will not be tolerated.”
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Joho highlighted that illegal miners, often wealthy individuals with heavy machinery, enter the region and exploit its resources without the proper certifications, failing to pay taxes or contribute to the community.
He lamented that such activities have hindered the region’s ability to fully capitalize on its mining potential.
Joho further noted that these illegal operations are depriving the local community of the benefits that should be reinvested into development projects, such as schools and hospitals.
“In this area, if we are able to get mining right, many lives will change. You will be able to show future generations what we’ve been able to do during our time. Nataka niwaambie kwamba mimi nitafnya kazi kwa bidii.”
He stressed that the responsibility to weed out illegal miners also lies with the community, urging them to report any illegal activities. “We are committed to eradicating illegal mining and creating a fresh, thriving industry that benefits the people of Nyanza,” Joho said.
He made it clear that illegal miners would have an opportunity to operate legally if they followed the proper procedures, including consulting the local community and reaching a written agreement on the terms of their mining activities.
Under the law, 1% of the proceeds from mining must be returned to the community for development purposes.
“Anyone who takes minerals illegally must be arrested immediately,” Joho declared. “If someone wants to mine here in Siaya, they must first speak to the community, reach an agreement, and ensure that 1% of the revenue goes back to them for development.”