Commissioner bans mining of Tanzanite

Narok Governor Samuel Ole Tunai sharing a word with Narok County Commissioner Moffat Kangi during the Madaraka Day Celebrations at Maasai Mara University grounds.  Kangi (right) says miners have been operating without licences, while unscrupulous businessmen sell the ornamental minerals to 'black markets' in neighbouring Tanzania.  (PHOTO: ROBERT KIPLAGAT/ STANDARD)

The Government has banned mining of Tanzanite and its trade in Loita. Narok County Commissioner Moffat Kangi (right) said miners had been operating without licences, while unscrupulous businessmen sell the ornamental minerals to 'black markets' in neighbouring Tanzania.

"It has come to our attention that the mining activities behind the Government's back. I hereby order that they stop the mining until they get mining licences from the relevant authorities for the purposes of royalties to the county and national governments," said Mr Kangi.

The commissioner urged the police to arrest any person found mining. Tanzanite Gemstones which are either blue or violet were discovered in Mererani Hills, Manyara in Northern Tanzania in 1967. He called for a crackdown on illicit brews being ferried from neighbouring counties.

"I am instructing the police in Transmara-Kisii road to ensure that there is no transit of the illicit liquor to Nairobi through our roads," said Kangi.