Kakamega, Kenya| Rescue operations are in full swing at a collapsed gold mine in Emachilifu village, Shinyalu Constituency, where 20 miners were trapped inside the shaft on Monday evening.
Authorities and emergency response teams have managed to rescue 18 individuals, who were immediately rushed to Kakamega General Hospital for medical attention and stabilization.
However, the fate of the remaining miners remains uncertain as rescue efforts continue.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa visited the mining site on Tuesday afternoon, expressing solidarity with the affected miners and their families.
He assured the artisanal mining community of the county government’s commitment to improving safety standards in the sector.
“I support artisanal mining, and I will ensure we enhance the safety of our people involved in this work because it is their source of income,” the governor stated.
In a show of support, Governor Barasa announced that all hospital fees for the injured miners would be waived to ease their financial burden.
Additionally, he reaffirmed the county’s commitment to expediting the construction of a gold refinery in Ikolomani, a move expected to create job opportunities for the youth and improve the overall management of the mining sector.
The Chairperson of the Artisanal Mining Committee, Patrick Ligami, urged the governor to ensure better regulation and oversight of the mining industry to safeguard the lives of miners and maximize economic benefits for local communities.
As rescue teams continue their efforts to reach those still trapped underground, authorities have called for stricter safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by artisanal miners, many of whom work in hazardous conditions with minimal safety equipment.
With hopes of finding the remaining miners alive, families and fellow miners remain at the site, anxiously waiting for updates.
The county government, emergency responders, and local leaders have pledged to provide support to the affected families as the rescue mission unfolds.
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