East Africa Northwest Mining Company seeks gold mining Licence for 41km² in Kenya’s Turkana, West Pokot counties
East Africa Northwest Mining Company Limited has applied for a gold mining licence covering 40.93 square kilometres across Turkana and West Pokot counties, signalling growing commercial interest in north-western Kenya’s mineral resources.
The application was announced by Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho through Gazette Notice No. 15986, published on October 9, 2026, under Section 34 of the Mining Act.
According to the notice, the application, registered under reference number ML/2026/0415, covers 190 cadastral blocks, equivalent to approximately 10,111 acres.
The government has invited members of the public and affected communities to submit objections to the proposed licence within 42 days of the notice. Submissions can be made to the Cabinet Secretary through the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
The application does not amount to approval of the licence, with the proposal still subject to the statutory process.
The development comes amid increasing attention to Turkana’s gold potential, with geological records identifying deposits and occurrences in areas including Nadapal, Lokitang, Nadwat, Makutano, Loima and the Kainuk belt.
In this, experts are arguing that Turkana could develop into a significant gold-producing economy if its mineral resources are matched with investment, technical expertise and effective regulation.
According to reports, gold mining in Kenya remains dominated by artisanal and small-scale operators, who account for more than 90 per cent of national gold production and involve more than 250,000 miners countrywide, according to the State Department for Mining.
Turkana has already attracted interest from investors seeking to formalise and expand gold exploration and extraction.
The county government facilitated a community-consent process for proposed exploration at Nameyana in Loima in 2024, while other companies have obtained gold mining licences in the county.
However, the expansion of commercial mining has raised questions about community participation, the future of artisanal miners and how local residents will benefit from the exploitation of mineral resources.
Recent discussions in Turkana have highlighted the importance of transparent licensing, environmental safeguards, community consent and clear arrangements for sharing mining benefits.
The proposed licence covering parts of Turkana and West Pokot could create opportunities for investment, employment and supporting businesses if approved and developed responsibly.
Such opportunities would depend on the availability of geological information, infrastructure, appropriate technology and access to mineral-processing facilities.
The broader challenge for the region will be ensuring that commercial mining generates lasting economic benefits while protecting local livelihoods and the environment.
For now, East Africa Northwest Mining Company Limited’s application remains under consideration, with the 42-day public objection period providing an opportunity for affected communities and other interested parties to raise concerns before a decision is made.