The government of Kenya has shut down mining sites in Homabay County. The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) made the announcement and said they have closed down dangerous iron ore and gold mining sites in Rachuonyo South sub-county in Homa Bay County over safety concerns.
The authority has accused quarry operators of failing to get approval from relevant government authorities. To operate a mine, investors must obtain a permit from the State Department of Mining, and an environmental impact assessment report from Nema, among other approvals.
Nema issued orders to operators of the two sites to vacate the areas after it emerged that they were working illegally, besides exposing their lives to danger by not protecting themselves. Seven operators at the two mining sites were also arrested during a joint operation between officials from Nema and police.
Land encroachment
“There is mushrooming of illegal mining sites in Homa Bay County, especially in Rachuonyo South which the environment watchdog said could lead to serious injuries or even death. Some sites are left open and dangerous burrows and pits get filled with water,” said Homa Bay County Nema Director Josiah Nyandoro.
The County Director has also accused the operators of encroaching on government land in search of iron ore. At Kaduda near Sae,s believed to be having deposits of iron ore, operators of mines are accused of indiscriminately excavating the ground in search of the mineral, which is in high demand. Local residents are said to have been approached by private investors who reached an agreement with local land owners to scoop soil with iron ore deposits for sale.
“Nema is advocating for a clean and healthy environment. The only people who will suffer at the end of the mining exercise are locals because they will have no land for agriculture. We have engaged Kenya Forest Service (KFS) on the issue of encroachment,” said Josiah Nyandoro.
