The National Assembly’s Environment Committee has faulted the Ministry of Mining for approving licenses to mining companies without proper environmental checks, accusing it of fuelling pollution, public displacement, and conflict in Turkana, West Pokot and Kasipul.

The committee, led by Vice Chair Charles Kamuren, dismissed the explanations given by Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, saying they did not reflect what was happening on the ground.

PS Kimtai appeared before the committee following statements tabled in the House by Ariko Namoit (Turkana South), Peter Lochakapong' (Sigor), and the late MP Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul), all of whom raised concerns about illegal mining and environmental damage in their constituencies.

In his response, Kimtai said only three licenses had been issued in Turkana and claimed they were issued within legal guidelines.

But MPs from the affected areas rejected the explanation.

“Hon. Chair, the PS is not sincere in his response, mining is a destructive activity that needs to be mitigated to avoid public displacement, effects on agriculture where farming can no longer be practiced along river Turkwel, talking from a point of information, look at the photos I have provided to this Committee, this mining activities have brought serious destruction around Kainuk town, the use of cyanide chemicals is having serious effects in the area,” Ariko said.

He said the Ministry had failed to form artisanal mining committees as required and had allowed mining to continue without public involvement or input from local leaders. Ariko also accused police officers of protecting those involved in the illegal mining activities.

MP Lochakapong' said it was wrong for the Ministry to deny the existence of large-scale mining activities in the region. He asked the PS to be honest about the situation on the ground.

MP Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria), who attended the session as a friend of the committee, supported the remarks and confirmed that his area too had been affected.

MPs questioned why licenses were issued in areas such as Lami Nyeusi, Lorogon, and Kalomwae without proper assessments, and demanded to know what steps had been taken to stop ongoing environmental destruction.

They also demanded action to address the drying up of local water sources and open trenches left behind by miners.

MP Yakub Adow called for fair distribution of mining royalties as provided by law, including the 10 percent share meant for local communities and 20 percent for county governments.

MP Charity Kathambi said the committee would not accept the continued pollution and exploitation of local residents.
“If these cases in the three constituencies - Turkana South, Sigor and Kasipul - are not solved, there will be serious issues in the country. What our colleagues have presented here shows illegality and pollution through mining in the country. Billionaires visit, take our minerals and leave locals with nothing but environmental effects,”  Kathambi said.

MPs Feisal Bader and Joseph Emathe stressed the need for enforcement and coordination among all relevant government bodies.
“Chair, enforcement is critical here, this goes inline with the Mining Act 2016, the damage is done to the people of Turkana South and Sigor, I request that the PS under Section 91 and 93 on simplified licensing or artisan mining permits, we want cooperatives formed to help the community establish small scale miners, this will help mining in this area become sustainable,”  Emathe said.

In response to the growing frustration, MP Kamuren directed that the Committee visit the affected regions to confirm the MPs’ claims. He also ordered a joint meeting to be held involving the PS, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, mining licensing officers, NEMA, Interior Ministry, and the Inspector General of Police.