Former Agriculture principal secretary during President Uhuru Kenyatta regime professor Hamadi Boga has advised Cabinet secretary for mining and blue economy Salim Mvurya to put in place regulations that allows communities to access the Sh1.3 billion royalties which is due.
In his fourth, creating wealth from rehabilitation of Kwale Minerals Sand mine recommendation, Boga said Mvurya time has come for locals to benefit from the Base Titanium mining company proceeds.
“Your role in the project is about to end. Communicate the same to the County Government of Kwale, the NLC and the Ministry of Lands to take over the post mining land use process. It is not your mandate or area of competence,” he told Mvurya.
He warned that the success of future mineral activities in the region will depend on how locals are being handled even after they supported the mining project from the beginning.
“Thank the people of Kwale and Likoni sub-county for hosting the project and creating an enabling environment for the project to happen and exit. Maybe if you handle this well they will have faith and support future mining projects,” he said.
Boga also wants the county government of Kwale to take up the post mining land use process which falls in its mandate.
“Bring on Board professionals with the requisite skills to make sure that the post mining land use planning leads to investments that will fill the void that will be left by BTL. Where post mining land use has been mishandled, poverty has invaded neighboring communities,” he added.
He urged the county to account for the Billions in royalties that is due to the county from the National Government.
“The resources should be used transparently to implement impactful projects through proper public participation separate from the regular budgetary allocations,” he added.
“Hiding it in the usual budgeting processes will be tantamount to being opaque and vague leading to a clear lack of transparency and accountability. Make sure that the communities get what is due to them in royalties from the National Government,” he said.
The county government, he said, should put in place an inclusive, competent and patriotic advisory team of multidisciplinary professionals to give the County Government professional and independent advice.
Boga also traded his advisory guns to the National Land Commission asking them to wake, stay engaged and work for Kenyans.
“The Ministry of Mining should not be driving a post mining land use planning process. You should invoke your powers to oversee the process and support the county to come through for the people of Kwale,” he added.
Professor Boga, who has interests on matters of agriculture, took issue with leaders in Kwale saying that they should stand with their people.
“Understand what is going on and be on the side of justice and transparency. Its your responsibility to make sure that the post mining land use plan is pro-people of Kwale and that the land is not grabbed for speculation by the usual land grabbers who see a hot piece of real estate. Fight for the remittance of the royalties to the communities. I understand that there is currently no regulation to guide that,” he said.
While giving a timeline for the leaders to deliver, Boga said their duty and responsibility are to make sure that before December 2024 the regulations will be in place.
“Stay vigilant and do not get compromised,” he advised.
Boga also urged Kwale residents to make noise where necessary as well as petitioning and ensuring institutions mandated to work do play their role.
“Demand for transparency and accountability and for meaningful engagement. Do not allow underhand deals to deprive you of your heritage,”’ he said.
He said that locals should make sure that their MCAs, MPs, Senators, and Governor are paying enough attention to the issues and are not involved in underhand deals that will undermine the aspirations of the community.
Civil Society Organizations, imams and Clergy were also advised to put up a spirited civic education of the masses being their duty and calling.
“Make sure that the people have the right information and hold those responsible accountable for a just and transparent process that will lead to a desired outcome for everyone,” he added.
Professor Boga asked Base Titanium mining company to share the mine closure report with communities by making it public so that everyone knows what they are proposing and the state of the land as they exit.
“Ensure compliance with mine closure requirements of NEMA and other regulatory agencies. Leave a legacy project beyond the CSR projects you have undertaken. As your trucks will soon stop weaving their way on Mombasa-Lunga Lunga Road, what will you be remembered for? “ he posed.
Boga urged the company management to adopt Waa Boys High School, the oldest school in Kenya and turn it into a gem that will benefit the generation alfa who will only hear and read about BTL in history books.
He said that proposed projects must be synergistic and designed with environmental sustainability in mind, with a focus also on earning from the carbon market.
