Siaya County leaders have underscored the urgent need for a national dialogue on best practices for managing small-scale mining operations across Kenya.
Gem Member of Parliament (MP) Elisha Odhiambo and Siaya Governor James Orengo emphasized the necessity of establishing safety guidelines to curb the rising number of fatalities at artisanal mining sites.
Their remarks come in the wake of a tragic mining accident in Rera village, Gem Wagai sub-county, where three miners lost their lives after a gold mine collapsed in the early hours of Sunday.
Leaders Call for Stakeholder Involvement in Mining Reforms
Speaking separately during visits to different locations in Gem constituency, the two leaders called for coordinated efforts between national and county governments, mining investors, and artisanal miners to enhance safety in mining operations.
Addressing residents at Sirandu village in North Gem ward, MP Odhiambo stressed the urgency of implementing a structured approach to mining practices to prevent further loss of lives.
“Going forward, I am going to engage the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Ali Hassan Joho, so that we have a structured approach on how mining should be done,” Odhiambo stated.
“We cannot continue having people risk their lives in unsafe mining conditions.”
Meanwhile, Governor Orengo, who visited the site of the collapsed mine, reiterated the need for a broader discussion on the regulation of the mining sector.
“We know that mining is principally a function of the national government, but we believe a discussion should take place on how to effectively manage and regulate the sector,” said Orengo.
Concerns Over Revenue Distribution and Miners’ Welfare
Beyond safety concerns, Orengo also highlighted the economic challenges facing small-scale miners.
He lamented that county governments do not receive significant financial returns from minerals extracted within their jurisdictions, leaving local communities impoverished despite the economic potential of the sector.
“If you look at the people here, their standard of living is not anything you can talk about,” the governor remarked, pointing to the persistent poverty among artisanal miners despite their engagement in resource extraction.
In a show of support for the bereaved families, Orengo announced that the Siaya County government would assist in covering funeral expenses for the deceased miners.
A National Conversation on Mining Safety and Regulations
The tragedy in Gem adds to the growing list of fatal mining accidents in Kenya, underscoring the risks faced by small-scale miners due to unregulated and unsafe mining practices.
Stakeholders have increasingly called for policy interventions to improve safety standards, ensure fair revenue distribution, and protect the welfare of artisanal miners.
With leaders like MP Odhiambo and Governor Orengo pushing for a structured dialogue on mining safety, there is growing momentum for a nationwide discussion on how to reform and regulate the sector.
The coming weeks may see heightened engagement between policymakers and industry stakeholders to address these pressing concerns.
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