Joho faces backlash over Sh8 trillion Mrima Hill rare earth mining project

Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, during a past event at Msabaha grounds in Ganda ward, Malindi, Kilifi County, on January, 2, 2025. [File, Standard]

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho is facing a major political test over the proposed Sh8 trillion mining project at Mrima Hill in Kwale County.

On Friday, a section of Kwale leaders led by Kwale Deputy Governor Josphat Chirema walked out of his meeting in protest, accusing him of allegedly bulldozing the deal to award the licence to a US firm.

Mrima Hill is rich in rare earth and niobium deposits, and international companies are currently scrambling for the natural resources.

Chirema, a close ally of Sports CS Salim Mvurya, angrily walked out of a meeting of Kwale leaders addressed by Joho at the Kenya School of Government in Matuga, Kwale County.

Earlier, Joho had told the meeting he was only laying the ground for public participation and that all the concerns by residents and stakeholders will be addressed.

"This is only the beginning of dialogue. There will be public participation, and all stakeholders' concerns will be addressed," Joho said.

The meeting, which aimed to deliberate on the proposed Mrima Hill mineral mining project, brought together Members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and senior Kwale County officials.

But Chirema, who was accompanied by Pongwe–Kikoneni MCA Omar Mwaduga and Vanga MCA Yusuf Mbwana, accused Joho of attempting to force local leaders to accept the mining deal without adequate public participation.

Chirema faulted Joho for what he termed as sidelining and humiliating Kwale leaders. 

“We cannot sit in a meeting where leaders are being intimidated and denied a chance to air the concerns of the people they represent. This process is flawed and disrespectful to the leadership of Kwale County,” said Chirema. 

He maintained that the Kwale county government would not support the mining project at Mrima Hill unless the concerns of residents were addressed.

“Kwale County will not accept the mining at Mrima Hill until the National Government listens to the voices and cries of our leaders and residents. Development cannot be imposed on people,” he added.

But yesterday, CFA treasurer Ms Domitila Kamito said residents were ready for the project and urged leaders to work closely with them to ensure they get a better deal.

“We are ready for the project, only that we want full benefits from it. We thank Joho for coming to assure us that we will be fully involved in the project and get our rights,” she said.

A CFA member, Ms Jackline Muriithi, said residents wanted all gaps identified during the titanium mining by Base Titanium at the nearby Maumba area addressed when a company is finally identified to mine at Mrima Hill.

“Relocation is a big issue for all of us, and this requires the county and national government leaders to come to the ground to meet the people at the grassroots to ensure they get full benefits.

“Leaders, right from the president, mining CS and those from the county government, should unite on this project so that the mining company finds us ready,” she said.

She said relocation, compensation, jobs and training of youth in various skills should be a priority for residents and all leaders.

Youth leader Issa Sarai said Mvurya previously served as Mining CS and Kwale governor, but the local community did not get a clear picture about the mining project, and hence, Joho did a commendable job to meet them.

"Mvurya and Joho sit in Cabinet and should resolve their issues there and help us get benefits from the mining project once it is implemented. We want benefits, including a modern school and hospital in Lunga Lunga subcounty," he said.

A resident, Mr Chigodi Rai, said locals should be fully involved in the project through public participation to avoid getting a raw deal.

“We live here and depend on our farms, and if we are not fully involved in this project, we stand to lose a lot. If leaders work closely with us, we will benefit,” he said, condemning the wrangles among leaders.

Mrima Hill is rich in rare earth and niobium deposits, and international companies are currently scrambling for the natural resources.

Yesterday, a section of Kwale residents under the umbrella of the Mrima Community Forest Association (CFA) said they invited Joho to the area through a letter dated August 22, 2024, following a controversy surrounding the proposed rare earth and niobium strategic mining project at Mrima Hill.

CFA chairman Nassir Bege said they were concerned that local leaders were fighting the mining CS after they invited him to shed light on the project, an Sh8 trillion mining plan that was shrouded in secrecy for years.

“Joho came here to explain to us the government plan about the mining project after we invited him. He told us the government has not selected a mining company yet and promised us full compensation and other benefits when the mining begins,” he said.

He said the CS also promised to address issues of heritage, as the Mrima Hill has traditional kaya shrines.

“We are appealing to leaders to come together and talk to us so that we can get maximum benefits from this project instead of fighting each other. Joho assured us that there will be public participation before mining begins, and we are happy with that,” he said.