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The Principal Secretary for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, was honored to host Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the spouse of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, for the official launch of the Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) at Osiri-Matanda village in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County. This initiative aims to expedite the issuance of mining and mineral trading licenses, mineral processing licenses, and artisanal mining permits for mining marketing cooperative societies across Kenya.
The RRI is a coordinated exercise designed to streamline and enhance the licensing process for artisanal miners, cooperatives, and mineral processors across the nation’s 47 counties. The launch is anticipated to enable over 20 marketing cooperatives in Migori to acquire mining permits, with the ultimate goal of eradicating illegal mining operations nationwide. A valid license is mandatory for miners engaged in mineral trading, processing, exploration, and exploitation.
To facilitate a more user-friendly and inclusive licensing process, the State Department for Mining has deployed additional officials to counties to assist miners with their license applications.
Before the RRI launch at Osiri, discussions were held with Migori Governor Dr. Achilo Ayacko, senior national and county government officials, and other leaders to align on strategies and expectations.
In a move to support artisanal miners in acquiring mining zones, the ministry has begun reviewing licenses held by investors who occupy large tracts of land but engage only in speculative activities. “Mining is a business that must pay,” PS Mwangi emphasized. Licenses issued to investors, whether for exploration, mining, processing, trading, or dealing, must actively correspond with that particular activity.
The era of mining investors hoarding vast, unused mining zones is over. Companies that fail to utilize their allocated lands will be removed from the cadaster, freeing up the land for allocation to artisanal miners under marketing cooperatives.
During the launch event, a mining cooperative in Migori was issued a Dealer’s Permit License (DPL) to legalize their operations. To promote health and safety standards, miners were also provided with safety gear, including helmets, reflector jackets, and safety gloves.
Additionally, a new motor vehicle was handed over to the Regional Mining Office. This vehicle will be used to provide extension services to miners in the region, including monitoring and surveillance operations.
The launch of the RRI signifies a significant step towards formalizing the artisanal mining sector, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering sustainable mining practices across Kenya.
