By Shaban Omar
Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai has announced that the national government will open the tender for the multibillion-shilling rare earth minerals project in Kwale County next week.
Kimtai said the government has invited both local and international investors to bid, noting that transparent competition will ensure effective mining operations and greater benefits for local communities.
“On April 21, we will open the tender so that we can know how many investors have applied and proceed to vetting them,” he said.
The PS added that the new move is expected to set clear frameworks on how winning companies will engage and work with host communities during mining activities.
He emphasized that the government aims to promote responsible extraction, safeguard community interests and maximize economic gains for residents.
Kimtai assured that the government is determined to ensure local communities fully benefit from mining activities, including extraction, processing and value addition.
“This time, no minerals will be extracted and taken abroad. Everything will be processed locally so that we can create more employment opportunities,” he said.
The PS noted that the government has drawn critical lessons from previous mining operations and is keen to avoid past mistakes in mining activities.
He said the new approach will prioritize local participation, enhance value addition within the country and ensure communities reap tangible economic benefits from the resources.
Kimtai urged local communities to work closely with the government, noting that Kwale County is endowed with mineral resources that have the potential to significantly boost the national economy and ease the country’s financial burden.
“For Kenya to move forward, we now bank on Kwale. The minerals here will settle all our debts,” he said.
He stressed that effective mining and value addition could unlock substantial revenue for Kenya.
The PS made the remarks during the official launch of a mass mangrove planting initiative at Tsunza in Kwale County on Friday, April 17, 2026.
The exercise was led by the Kenya Forest Service in partnership with WWF Kenya and local communities, as part of efforts to restore degraded coastal ecosystems.
Kimtai also issued a stern warning to mining companies operating in Kwale and other parts of the country over irresponsible practices.
He directed that all mining firms must be duly licensed, comply with the new mining regulations, and adhere to the requirement of contributing one percent of their revenues to community development.
He added that the companies must also undertake meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Kimtai warned that any company found violating the mining regulations would face strict action, insisting that the government will not tolerate misconduct in the sector.
