By Bilali Hamisi Mwarandu._
The *current exchanges* surrounding *Mrima Hill* do more than *expose disagreement* over a *mining project.* They reveal a deeper *governance crisis.*
Across Africa, regions blessed with *extraordinary natural resources* remain trapped in *poverty* not because the *resources are absent,* but because *leadership* often arrives at the *negotiation table unprepared, divided or driven by theatrics rather than strategy.*
Mrima Hill, a home to one of the *world’s largest niobium deposits* valued in *trillions of shillings,* is a clear example. Instead of *calm, organized planning* and a *coherent county position,* the conversation has been dominated by *political showmanship* and *reactionary statements.* This moment calls for *maturity, foresight* and *negotiation capacity not noise.*
Niobium is a critical mineral globally, essential in *high-strength steel, aircraft engines, advanced electronics, renewable energy technologies and medical equipment.*
The deposit at Mrima is therefore not merely a *local issue;* it is a *national and international strategic asset.* Because of this status, the *National Government* plays a *primary regulatory role,* including through entities such as the *National Mining Corporation* (NAMICO). *County governments* have important but *largely supportive functions* focused on *land rights, environmental oversight, public participation, community benefit agreements* and *local representation.*
This reality calls for *sobriety* rather than *reaction.* Walking out of meetings may make *political noise,* but it does not build *negotiating power.* If anything, it signals a *lack of preparation.* Leaders should be *developing structured positions,* backed by *technical evidence* and *community mandates* and presenting these through *formal channels* rather than relying on *drama in barazas.*
If *no mining licence has yet been issued,* then *nothing is final.* This is precisely the window in which Kwale County should be organizing its *negotiation agenda* instead of shouting from the *sidelines.* With *senior national representation* already linked to *Kwale and Cabinet level conversations* within reach, the County Government of Kwale has a *real opportunity* to *table concrete demands* before any *deal is sealed.*
What is urgently needed now is not *emotion, but organization:*
✓ *A stakeholder memo addressed to national decision makers,* outlining non-negotiable community interests.
✓ *Clear demands on royalties,* including the *20% share,* and how those *funds* will directly benefit local residents.
✓ *Community awareness programs* so residents know their *rights* and *what to ask during public participation.*
✓ *Prepared positions on critical issues such as consent, compensation, environmental* and *social impact assessments, resettlement, and mine closure plans.*
✓ *A united platform involving County Government, MPs, MCAs, community leaders* and *CSOs* speaking from a *shared brief* rather than *fragmented reactions.*
*Storming out of meetings* should be a last resort, accompanied by a *precise press statement* listing *unresolved issues* not just *vague anger.* People cannot join or support leaders if they do not even know what those *leaders are demanding.*
Meanwhile, there is practical work to begin immediately: *mapping community concerns, drafting proposals, preparing fundraising concepts, designing civic education on mining laws* and *building technical capacity for negotiations.*
Kwale’s problems at this moment in time is not a *lack of resources* it is a lack of *organized, issue based engagement.*
If residents are wondering why *poverty persists* in a land of *immense natural wealth* the answer lies not in the soil, but in *leadership.* The time has come to move beyond *funeral speeches* into *structured, disciplined negotiation.*
Mrima Hill is not a *circus; it is a test.* And *how Kwale handles* it will determine whether the county remains a *spectator in its own wealth,* or finally becomes a *beneficiary of it.
Bilal Hamisi Mwarandu
Lawyer | Youth Advocate | Public Policy Analyst | Social Commentator
