DRAFT BASELINE SURVEY REPORT ON THE COUNTY LOW VALUE MINERALS RELEASED
Kakamega County has a huge mining potential of various mineral resources which are
either underexploited or unsustainably exploited. With the adoption of the government’s “Big Four agenda” the Ministry of Water, Environment and Natural Resources anticipated greater demand for construction materials resulting in interference of the natural environment through activities like mining and and harvesting.
It is against this background that the ministry held a workshop to validate a draft Baseline Survey report conducted on the County low value minerals, distribution of derelict land and geo-reference of Artisanal Miners in the County. The survey was conducted by Lakers Consultancy Limited.
Speaking during the workshop, the CECM for Water, Environment and Natural Resources Mr. Baraza Wangwe said the county is committed to adding value to the mining activities of the residents by mapping out the existing minerals to determine their economic value.
“This validation report and maps shared provide a baseline data, information and status
of the County low value mineral resources, land degradation hotspots, mineral extraction and their effects on the environment,” the CECM said.
The draft report also outlines the importance of regulating mining activities and the potential the activities have on the county revenue. Further, it recommends sustainable Land Management practices for landscape restoration in identified mineral extraction areas as well as promotion of integrated natural resource management.
“It is also our obligation to stop the spread of land degradation and to institute measures to rehabilitate degraded lands through identification of areas of low value minerals and mapping neglected land to inform future programmes,” he added.
The report was presented to the CECM by Mr. Kevin Musiega the director of Lakers Consultancy.
The workshop was attended by various stakeholders among them officers from NEMA, Planners, Engineers and members of the community.
Also in attendance were Chief Officers Mr. Palapala Muteshi and Dr. Phitalis Masakhwe of Environment and Natural Resources and Service Delivery respectively. Gender Affairs and Special Programmes Advisor madam Peninah Mukabane and Mr. Anthony Munanga director of Environment as well as the Lakers Ltd GIS Expert Modix Onyango and the Consultancy’s Statistician Kevin Kanywira.