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Kwale, Kenya — October 22, 2024: Principal Secretary for the State Department for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, has emphasized the importance of consultation and inclusivity in resolving disputes that could hinder progress in the mining sector. Speaking during a consultative forum held in Kwale County, he underscored the need for collaboration between leaders and stakeholders to adopt effective measures addressing disputes within the industry.
The forum, attended by Kwale leaders including MPs Hon. Feisal Abdallah Bader (Msambweni), Hon. Kassim Sawa Tandaza (Matuga), and Hon. Mangale Munga Chiforomodo (Lungalunga), along with several MCAs led by Hanifa Badi of Mwajirani Ward, focused on concerns about inclusivity and community representation within the Post-Mine Land Use (PMLU) Committee for the Base Titanium mining project.
PS Mwangi highlighted that the forum brought together leaders, Kaya Elders, and officials of the Kwale Mining Alliance, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs). The discussions were centered on ensuring the community’s interests were safeguarded, especially as Base Titanium, the largest mining project in Kenya, prepares to conclude its operations in December 2024 due to resource depletion.
The PMLU Committee, established to manage the transition of the mining site, is tasked with developing a framework for the distribution of assets while prioritizing community benefits. Comprising members from national and county government agencies, as well as representatives from elected leaders, the committee has faced calls for broader representation.
PS Mwangi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and community engagement in public projects. “The quest for lasting remedies to disputes that risk slowing down progress and growth in the mining sector demands consultation with leaders and stakeholders,” he said. He added that the department will carefully evaluate the proposals presented during the forum to enhance the committee’s efficiency.
The forum concluded with an agreement to accelerate the PMLU’s activities, ensuring a smooth transition as Base Titanium winds down its operations. The government expressed appreciation for the cooperation of CSOs and local leaders, underscoring the importance of a collective approach in addressing community concerns and sustaining development in Kwale County.
