Talk to county leaders, National Land Commission tells Cortec

By PATRICK BEJA

Kwale, Kenya: The National Land Commission (NLC) has urged Cortec Mining Kenya to initiate dialogue with the Kwale County government in a bid to foster peace.

The firm is seeking to mine rare earth worth over Sh5 trillion.

NLC chair Dr Mohamed Swazuri said investors ought to work in harmony with devolved governments.

“I urge Cortec Mining Kenya and other investors to work with NLC and both levels of government to ensure there is no misunderstanding,” said Swazuri.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a two-day retreat for county land ministers at a Mombasa hotel yesterday.

Swazuri said there was urgent need for investors to understand the new land laws to avoid problems with national and county governments.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya had alleged that the firm had not informed him about its mining project in the county.

Mvurya claims environmental concerns, the threat of radiation, and compensation had not been adequately addressed by the investor and his county was seeking a 30 per cent share of proceeds from exports.

SACRED GROUND

Yesterday, Mvurya claimed the proposed mining of niobium on Mrima Hill threaten a gazetted forest and traditional sacred ground (kaya) and such concerns must be addressed.

“Residents have made inquiries in my office but I have no answers because I was not involved in the project. I am going to write to the National Environment Management Authority to explain what has happened,” he said.

Meanwhile, the land body said it has no role in talks between Likoni landowner Evanson Kamau Waitiki and the national government to have his 930-acre farm acquired by the State to formally settle squatters.

Swazuri said the matter was being handled by Land Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu and NLC would come in during the settlement of the squatters.