Several companies have applied for new mining and prospecting licences across different counties in Kenya, according to notices published in the Kenya Gazette by the Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Joho.
The applications include a feldspar licence in Kajiado County by Keda (Kenya) Ceramics Company Limited.
“PURSUANT to section 34 of the Mining Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs notifies receipt of an application for mining licence from Keda (Kenya) Ceramics Company Limited, which details are set out in the Schedule hereto,” reads part of the notice dated September 5, 2025.
Other applications are for two gypsum licences in Tana River County by Speculate Investments Limited and Fatco Construction & Transporters Limited, and an aggregate licence in Taita/Taveta County by Sinohydro Corporation Limited.
Equator Gemstones (K) Ltd has applied for a large prospecting licence covering more than 100 square kilometres across parts of Taita Taveta and Kwale counties to search for gemstones, excluding diamonds.
The Ministry has given members of the public between 21 and 42 days to submit comments or objections to the Cabinet Secretary.
If granted, the licences could provide raw materials for industries such as construction, ceramics, and jewellery. However, environmental impact assessments and community consultations will be required before operations begin.
In August 2025, the State acknowledged receipt of several applications for mining and prospecting licenses from both local and international companies as the country seeks to revamp the mining industry.
CS Joho listed details of the mining permits in a series of gazette notices.
Among the major applicants was Shanta Gold Kenya Ltd, seeking to mine gold over a 15.38 km² area in Siaya and Vihiga counties.
In Samburu, Geo Earth Resources (Africa) Ltd applied for a chromite licence covering 56.28 km², while Pwami Mineral Ventures Ltd is also targeting gold in the same county, proposing a massive 64.56 km² operation.
