Kwale Mining Alliance, in partnership with the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Kwale County Assembly, is set to petition the Senate and Parliament for the release of mineral royalties worth Ksh 2.9 billion.
This move follows concerns raised by mining stakeholders over delays in disbursement, despite assurances from the national government.
The petition, expected to be ready in two months, will push for the release of royalties due to at least 32 counties, including Ksh 1.2 billion for Kwale County, Ksh 350 million for Kilifi, and Ksh 660 million for Kajiado.
Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth Mwatela Kamanza made the announcement during the second day of a policy forum on fiscal management and mineral royalties held at Diani Reef Hotel.
“Kwale County Assembly, together with other stakeholders, have vowed to file a petition to the respective authorities to inquire about the stuck mineral royalties and when they will be released,” he said.
Kamanza said that the delay in the disbursement of mineral royalties caused grave setbacks in the implementation of county development projects and negatively impacted the lives of the affected communities.
Kamanza noted that the recently approved county budget annual development plan faces a deficit of Ksh 1.6 billion due to the delayed share of mineral royalties.Kenya Human Rights Commission Programs Manager Mary Kambo addresses a group of stakeholders at Diani Reef Hotel in Kwale County on Friday, September 26, 2024.
He explained that the county had budgeted for the funds, which were promised by the national government, but unfortunately, the money has not been deposited.
Kamanza said they will not relent and shall work together to ensure mineral royalties are timely released for the locals to benefit.
He noted that the timely release of the funds would lead to substantial improvements in key sectors like health and education, where they are urgently needed.”These funds are not just numbers on a page; they represent better healthcare facilities, improved schools, and the overall well-being of our people. We cannot afford to delay their release any longer,” said Kamanza.
KHRC Program Manager Mary Kambo said they will also petition both the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Mining over the prolonged delays in disbursing mineral royalties.
Kambo stressed the urgent need to finalize mining regulations that govern royalty disbursement, noting that the absence of a clear framework has contributed to the accumulation of unpaid royalties.
“The gaps in existing mining policies have resulted in communities suffering, as they remain deprived of the funds meant to uplift their livelihoods,” she said.
She said that the lack of timely disbursements is not just a bureaucratic oversight but a critical issue that has deeply affected communities reliant on mining for economic survival.
Kambo said the delays in releasing royalties are undermining the potential for development in mining areas, leaving vital sectors like health, education, and infrastructure underfunded.
Kambo explained that mining activities have far-reaching ripple effects on both the environment and the social fabric of the affected communities.
She said that the extraction of minerals often leads to environmental degradation, health hazards, and social disruptions, all of which disproportionately impact the local population.
Kambo said the mineral royalties are meant to serve as a form of compensation, providing much-needed support to cushion these communities from the adverse effects of mining.
Kambo reiterated that ensuring the timely and transparent disbursement of the royalties is not just an economic issue but a moral obligation.
A section of stakeholders attend a mining discussion forum at Diani Reef Hotel in Kwale County on Friday, September 26, 2024.
“These communities should not have to bear the brunt of mining’s negative impacts without seeing the benefits from the wealth beneath their feet,” she said.
KMA Officer Mahmoud Barrow warned that civil society organizations (CSOs) would be compelled to take decisive action if the government continues to delay the disbursement of mineral royalties.
He said as CSOs, they cannot stand by while communities suffer due to the delays.
Barrow said that their patience is running thin and that the failure to disburse the royalties is unacceptable, given the pressing needs in mining-affected communities.”We are prepared to take to the streets if need be. The affected communities have waited long enough, and it’s time for the government to act,” he said.
Barrow said that the struggle for fair distribution of mining royalties would not be limited to a single county and revealed plans to involve other mining-affected counties and communities in a united effort to demand their rightful share of the benefits from mining activities.
Barrow expressed his frustration over the ongoing plight of counties rich in mineral resources, stating that it was disheartening to see these areas suffering while others benefit.
“It is sad to witness counties blessed with mineral wealth continue to struggle, while the benefits of these resources seem to bypass them.This imbalance is unacceptable and should not be tolerated,” said Barrow.County Attorney Salim Gombeni called for collaboration among local government and stakeholders to maximize the community’s benefits from their natural resources.
He expressed disappointment that mineral royalties have not been distributed to counties and communities since 2016, highlighting ongoing efforts to advocate for their release.
Gombeni affirmed that the Kwale government is committed to providing support to ensure that locals can effectively benefit from their mineral resources and benefits surrounding them.
He urged the relevant authorities to initiate swift actions to resolves the delays adding communities that live near the mineral resources must see tangible benefits and not just about promises.
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