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Principal Secretary for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, hosted Her Excellency Caroline Vicini, the Swedish Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat, for extensive discussions aimed at bolstering the historical ties between Kenya and Sweden in the mining sector.
Sweden, with a mining history that dates back to the 18th century, has established itself as a global powerhouse in mining and mineral processing, being a leading producer of both base and precious metals. The Geological Survey of Sweden has been a steadfast partner in promoting capacity-building in Kenya’s geological sector. This historical and warm partnership has led to significant advancements in the promotion of safe and secure exploitation of mineral resources in Kenya.
During the meeting, several critical areas were discussed, focusing on the advancement of Kenya’s mining sector. Key topics included sustainable mineral exploitation, the adoption of environmentally-sound mining strategies, adherence to labor laws, human rights issues, and ethical practices within Kenya’s mining industry.
PS Elijah Mwangi expressed optimism about the ongoing collaboration and highlighted the importance of these discussions. “Our engagement today reaffirms the strong partnership between Kenya and Sweden. We are committed to sustainable and ethical practices in our mining sector, ensuring that our mineral resources are exploited for the benefit of all Kenyans,” Mwangi stated.
Ambassador Vicini echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Sweden’s long-standing commitment to supporting Kenya’s mining sector. “Sweden has a rich history in mining, and we are eager to share our expertise and experience with Kenya. Our goal is to support Kenya in achieving sustainable and responsible mining practices,” Vicini remarked.
The discussions underscored the importance of sustainable practices in mining, ensuring that the exploitation of mineral resources does not compromise the environment or the well-being of local communities. Both parties acknowledged the need for continued cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening ties between Kenya and Sweden, with a focus on driving growth in the mining sector. The Department of Mining looks forward to enhancing its relationships with international partners and stakeholders, aiming to leverage Kenya’s mineral resources for the country’s development and the benefit of its people.
As Kenya continues to develop its mining industry, the support and expertise from international partners like Sweden will be invaluable in achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for the sector.
