Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki Wednesday ordered an immediate nationwide crackdown on all mines and closure of those that pose a risk to the lives of miners.
Kindiki said the government will not wait for deaths and injuries as a result of collapsing mines, particularly during this time when heavy rains are being experienced in various parts of the country.
“When disaster strikes, the often-asked question is, where was the government? We want to ensure that incidents that result in deaths and injuries in mines are prevented before they occur. Our work as the government is to facilitate Kenyans to work in a safe and secure environment,” said Kindiki.
He said the government is prioritising preventive security strategies as opposed to corrective security interventions.
“I have ordered a nationwide crackdown on all mines and closure of those that pose a risk to miners and other residents.”
He directed that an environmental, economic and social impact assessment be conducted and a report with recommendations be submitted within 30 days to inform decisions on the mines.
He told all prospectors to apply for requisite licences from the mines and geology department.
“Parents and National Government Administration officers who allow children to work in mines instead of being in school will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
He spoke Wednesday at the Bumutiru gold mines in Butula sub-county, Busia County.
The CS ordered the immediate registration of all persons working at the Bumutiru gold mines amid claims of foreigners trooping to the area to make a kill from the gold rush.
“All persons working here at Bumutiru gold mines must be registered immediately. Whether they are locals or foreigners, all people residing here must be known, their names and ID numbers clearly listed,” he said.
The resumption of gold mining in Bumutiru has seen an influx of people from across the country and prospectors even from the neighbouring countries of Uganda, Tanzanian and DR Congo, a situation the CS said poses a security challenge.
“We know there are people from the neighbouring countries who are working in these mines. We have no problem with our neighbouring countries, as long as those coming to work in our country follow the laid down procedures,” he added.
There are tens of mines in the country, which at times becomes tragic for those working there.
For instance, three people were in February 2023 killed when a gold mine collapsed in Isiolo.
In the same month, three people who were employees of Karebe Gold Mining were killed in the incident while six others suffered severe injuries.
The cases are still under probe.
