The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has opened the door for public participation following the submission of several applications for mining and prospecting licences in Kilifi, Makueni, Bomet and Kakamega counties.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho announced that individuals, communities and other interested parties have an opportunity to submit objections or comments before the applications are considered.
The notices, published in the Kenya Gazette, indicate that the applications involve different minerals, including manganese, tremolite, aggregate and phonolite.
Among the applicants is Leibra Investments Limited, which has applied for a mining licence to extract manganese in Kilifi County.
Kilungu Kaolin Limited has also submitted an application for a prospecting licence for tremolite in Makueni County, while A. Jiwa Shamji Limited has applied for an aggregate mining licence in Bomet County.
In Kakamega County, Chaju Builders Limited has applied for a mining licence to extract phonolite.
The Ministry said the applications have been published to allow members of the public and affected communities to review the details and raise any concerns within the required timelines.
“Any objection by any person or community against the grant of the mining licence may be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary within forty-two days from the date of this notice,” the Gazette notices stated.
For the prospecting licence application in Makueni County, members of the public have been given 21 days to submit their comments or objections.
The ministry said the public participation process is part of legal requirements under the Mining Act, which provides communities and stakeholders with an opportunity to give their views before mining approvals are granted.
Mining officials noted that the review process will help ensure that proposed mining activities comply with environmental, social and regulatory requirements.
The applications come as Kenya continues efforts to expand the mining sector while promoting responsible exploitation of mineral resources and protecting the interests of local communities.
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