Save miners from exploitation and risks

New Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu should streamline the mining sector to make it economically rewarding.

It is encouraging to hear that Kenya has the capacity to generate more than Sh200 billion annually from the exploitation of precious stones, notably rubies and emeralds, which form part of the rarest and most valuable commodities in the world.

The CS has set his eyes on ensuring that a mineral global exchange is set up in Nairobi. This, as informed, will mitigate the loss of minerals to informal markets across the country’s borders and consequentially buttress the country’s economy.

I would like to draw the attention of Kazungu to Article 71 of the Kenyan Constitution that talks about the agreements related to natural resources. This Article is a window through which the Mining Act 2014 was legislated as it directed that “a transaction is subject to ratification by Parliament if it (a) involves the grant of a right or concession by or on behalf of any person, to another person for the exploitation of any natural resources of Kenya”. My interest is drawn to that part only.

If the Mining Act 2014 does not address this part (a) of the Article 71, then the CS would need to ensure there is in place a legislation that also takes into consideration the plight of the peasant miners.

The CS would ride on the crest of such relevant legislation that would not only make this ministry relevant, but would as well create meaningful lives to every player within this ministry right from the lowly miners to the top-most bureaucrats.

I would thus draw the CS’s attention to the gold miners of Migori County – those who work on the ore and scavenge on the dust to fish for gold particles. Their plight has informed the authorship of this letter.

Fancy this, going into pungent mining tunnels without nose masks, gumboots or gloves on an empty stomach. This actually exposes the miners to chest ailments due to the constant inhalation of rock dust.

Migori miners not only need proper legislation to cushion them from concessionaires, but they also need robust occupational health facilities that would ensure that their health is taken care of through proper protective devices.