State should clear the air on Fenxi Mining Company mining project

The simmering row pitting the Mui Basin community in Kitui against Fenxi Mining Company of China is an unnecessary distraction that should be easily resolved by bringing all the facts surrounding the project out in the open. For starters, the groups and individuals purporting to look out for the interests of the local people should ideally act as honest brokers and pass on information from the government and the Chinese company to the people.

There is a need to clarify, for example, whether the mining company was one of those affected by Mining Secretary Najib Balala’s cancellation of licences. But whether it was affected or not, it is important to note that a delay in the company’s operations is good for the people because the proposed Mining bill is set to increase the amount of revenue that will be paid to the local residents.