Regulatory violations threaten closure of Kilifi mining firms
Residents have consistently expressed concern over the harmful effects of quarrying, citing cracked walls in homes and injuries caused by debris from frequent explosions.
Several quarrying companies in Kilifi County face closure after the government revoked their licences for non-compliance with mining regulations.
In Jaribuni, the operations of 15 firms have been suspended, with only Victoria Engineering allowed to continue.
The company had pledged to fulfill its corporate social responsibility by committing to tarmac part of the nine-kilometre Jaribuni-Dzitsoni road that leads to the quarries.
During an inspection tour of the quarries in Jaribuni and Kalia Ng’ombe-Kokotoni, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho pointed out that a number of operators were conducting large-scale mining activities using permits instead of the required licences, which demand community involvement.
"One of the major issues is that companies with significant operations are using permits rather than proper licences. Licences require that the local community is engaged, but they avoid this by using permits. I have suspended all such permits until proper community engagement is done," said Joho.
In Kalia Ng’ombe and Kokotoni, the CS visited five quarry sites to evaluate their adherence to the Mining Act of 2016.
Joho, who was accompanied by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and acting Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimutai, also oversaw the launch of a one-kilometre road construction project by Victoria Engineering—a gesture that allowed the firm to resume its activities.
"I am pleased that Victoria Engineering Company has formalised the agreement to honour its commitments regarding the payment of royalties, corporate social responsibility and support for critical infrastructure in line with the Mining Act," he said.
All other companies were instructed to meet the required regulations before they can resume operations.
Governor Mung’aro emphasised that only quarry operators who follow the law will be permitted to conduct business in Kilifi County.
"We are working closely with CS Joho. We met the quarry operators, and only Victoria Engineering agreed to build a road in Jaribuni. The rest refused, yet their operations are causing severe health issues," Mung’aro said.
Joining CS Joho on the tour were Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule and Rabai MP Kenga Mupe.
Both Chibule and Mupe raised concerns about health risks linked to quarry operations, particularly respiratory issues resulting from dust produced during blasting.
"Some of these companies have been in operation for over 30 years without giving anything back, not even offering scholarships. On top of that, the blasting sends rocks flying into people’s homes, causing serious damage," said Mupe.
Residents have consistently expressed concern over the harmful effects of quarrying, citing cracked walls in homes and injuries caused by debris from frequent explosions.