The national government has stepped in to support the Kakamega County Assembly in handling growing tensions surrounding the proposed Shanta Gold mining project in Isulu–Bushangala as fresh details emerge on public participation and licensing.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Mining, Harry Kimutai, said the ministry held a consultative meeting with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) following concerns raised through a formal petition regarding the issuance of mining licences to Shanta Gold.

Kimutai noted that the petition, submitted through the Speaker’s office, questions the procedures followed in granting the licences, prompting the need for structured engagement and legal clarity.

To address the issue, the State Department plans to conduct capacity-building sessions for MCAs serving in the Environment, Natural Resources, Energy, Water and Climate Change Committee.

The training will focus on the Mining Act of 2016 and its accompanying regulations, enabling legislators to process the petition effectively.

“Our role is to ensure capacity building and support counties on matters that fall under the national government, particularly in mining,” said Kimutai.

He added that the ministry will participate in the petition hearings and await the committee’s report, which will guide the next course of action on the licensing process.

At the same time, Kimutai announced that the government has issued a gazette notice signalling its intention to grant Shanta Gold a mining licence.

Members of the public have 42 days from the date of publication to submit objections or support for the project.

“The project is not complete. This is part of public engagement to ensure the process is concluded transparently and to the satisfaction of the community, to avoid the kind of tensions currently being witnessed in Ramula,” he said.

His remarks come amid reports of violence in the Ramula area in Gem, Siaya County, where at least two people have lost their lives and several houses have been torched following disputes linked to the mining project.

Kimutai attributed the unrest to misinformation, clarifying that mining operations at Ramula-Mibona will not begin within six months as earlier perceived.

He revealed that Shanta Gold has requested an extension to delay the commencement of operations due to lack of consensus within sections of the community.

He further stated that the government respects a court ruling allowing the project to proceed while also permitting willing residents to voluntarily engage with the company for relocation to alternative land of their choice.

However, he raised concerns over individuals allegedly inciting violence.

“We have a situation where some people oppose resettlement and resort to chaos, including burning houses of those willing to relocate. Their intentions remain unclear as they have not engaged the ministry,” he said.

Kimutai called on law enforcement agencies to take firm action against perpetrators to restore order and allow due process to continue.

Importance of the project

He emphasised that the project stands to benefit both the national and county governments through revenue sharing. Under the law, the county government is entitled to 20 per cent of mining revenues, while the local community will receive 10 per cent, in addition to one per cent of gross sales generated in the area.

To enhance community engagement, the State Department has deployed an officer to work alongside Shanta Gold in sensitising residents.

Kimutai also assured locals that there will be no forceful evictions.

“No mining will take place without community development agreements between the company and residents. No relocation will occur before full compensation and provision of alternative land, in line with the law,” he said.

He added that local leaders, including the governor, area MP and MCAs, will be part of a committee overseeing the implementation of the project.

Kakamega county

Kakamega County Assembly Speaker James Namati confirmed that the assembly has received two petitions from members of the public and has begun inducting the relevant committee to handle the matter.

The petitions, he said, seek to establish whether proper procedures were followed in the licensing process.

“As an assembly, we are exercising our roles of representation and oversight. We will handle the petitions objectively, fairly and from an informed point of view,” said Namati.

He noted that the assembly will soon issue a public notice inviting residents to present their views during the hearings and encouraged more submissions in line with constitutional provisions on public participation.