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Parliament Buildings, Tuesday 24th September 2024
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining held a session with Principal Secretary for Mining, Mr. Elijah Mwangi, to address a petition calling for the revocation of a mining licence granted to Simba Cement’s Kaloleni plant in Kilifi County. The petition, brought forward by Mr. Samson Matano, Director of Kostol Properties, claims that the land belonging to the Kambe Community was unlawfully acquired by Simba Cement following the liquidation of ARM Cement Plc and Athi River Mining.
Mr. Matano insisted that the mining licence was not issued procedurally, and that the Kambe Community was evicted without proper compensation. However, PS Mwangi refuted the allegations, stating that all procedures were followed, including a 42-day public notice as required by law, during which no objections were raised. He further clarified that Simba Cement had acquired land on a “willing buyer, willing seller” basis.
The Committee, chaired by Hon. Charles Kamuren (Baringo South), raised concerns over the absence of Simba Cement representatives and agreed to conduct a site visit to engage all parties involved. The PS is expected to provide additional documentation before the next session.
