By Shaban Omar
The government has begun the process of reopening the Hillo Gold Mines in Marsabit County after Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho constituted a multi-agency team to oversee the exercise.
The move follows a directive by President William Ruto aimed at fast-tracking the resumption of mining activities at the site.
Speaking after chairing a high-level consultative meeting in Nairobi on Tuesday, Joho said the team has been given seven working days from July 23 to conduct a comprehensive field assessment.
Its mandate includes verifying the demarcated artisanal mining areas, confirming registered mining cooperatives eligible for artisanal mining permits, and advising on the documentation and regulatory requirements for issuing the permits.
Joho said the team will submit a report with recommendations to guide the structured reopening of the Hillo Gold Mines and ensure mining resumes safely, orderly and in compliance with the Mining Act, 2016.
“The multi-agency team will submit a comprehensive report with clear findings and recommendations to guide the structured reopening of the Hillo Gold Mines and ensure mining activities resume in a safe, orderly and sustainable manner, in full compliance with the Mining Act, 2016,” Joho said.
The meeting was attended by Marsabit Governor Mohamed Ali, Moyale MP Prof. Guyo Waqo Jaldesa, Saku MP Dido Rasso, North Horr MP Wario Adhe and Senator Mohamed Chute.
At the same time, Joho ordered an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities and urged artisanal and small-scale miners to comply with the Mining Act, 2016.
He warned that individuals engaging in illegal mining or violating the law would face legal action, saying compliance is essential to protect lives, safeguard the environment and promote responsible mineral resource development.
The Cabinet Secretary also expressed condolences to families affected by the collapse of a mining tunnel in Lolgorian, Narok County, where five people are feared dead.
He said the government is pursuing investigations into the incident and vowed that anyone found responsible for negligence or unlawful activities that endangered lives would be held accountable.
