The government has vowed to intensify its crackdown on illegal mining operations across the country, with former Principal Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Elijah Mwangi warning that unlicensed miners will face arrests, fines, and asset seizures.
Speaking at Taita Taveta University (TTU) on Thursday during the launch of the School of Mines and Engineering Alumni Chapter (SMEAC), Mwangi who has now been reassigned to sports docket said that the state is tightening enforcement to curb revenue losses and environmental destruction caused by unregulated mining.
The PS cited Section 202 of the Mining Act, which stipulates a Ksh 10 million fine for unlicensed mining, and announced that enforcement teams will be deployed to identify and shut down illegal mining sites.
He warned that those found engaging in unregulated activities will face arrest, confiscation of equipment, seizure of illegally mined minerals, and assessment for revenue recovery.
“Our Mining Act Section 2O2 provides that if you are found mining without a license there is a fine of Sh. 10 million. But we have gone forward and we have declared anybody found mining without a license, one, we are going to arrest, two, we are going to confiscate the minerals, three, we are going to confiscate the equipment that you will be found mining with, and four, we are going to assess and request that before we discuss anything about license you pay for what you have stolen from the government,” Mwangi stated.
He also stressed that all mining operations must be licensed, adding that applications missing required documentation will be removed from the Cadasta licensing system.
“No one should expect favors. What we are asking anybody who want to mine is take your time, ensure that you attach all the documents that are required for it to be processed because it is not fair even for us to spend time bring the Mineral Rights Board and seat just to reject your application. ” Mwangi stated adding that, “We will not allow unscrupulous individuals to exploit our resources unlawfully. The government is committed to responsible mining, and we expect all industry players to comply with the regulations.”
The PS acknowledged TTU’s role as Kenya’s leading mining education institution, producing trained professionals to drive reforms in the sector. With over 400 accredited mining engineers, including PhD holders, TTU has been instrumental in training a specialized workforce to replace civil engineers who were previously assigned mining roles.
“Illegal mining thrives due to a lack of trained personnel. That’s why TTU’s expertise is crucial in formalizing the sector,” Mwangi stated.
He revealed plans to operationalize the National Mining Institute at TTU, which will train diploma and certificate-level professionals to bridge workforce gaps, especially in artisanal and small-scale mining.
The PS reassured TTU graduates that the government is expanding employment opportunities within the mining sector. He cited the recent hiring of 76 mine inspectors, 56 of whom are TTU alumni, as proof of the government’s trust in TTU’s training.
The PS also emphasized the importance of formal training for artisanal and small-scale miners, revealing that the National Mining Institute at TTU will offer diploma and certificate courses to equip miners with technical skills and safety knowledge.
“This initiative will help formalize artisanal mining, ensuring that small-scale miners can work legally, safely, and efficiently,” he noted.
He further highlighted that the government is supporting TTU’s efforts to provide capacity-building programs for miners in various counties, helping them transition from informal to regulated operations.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Fred Simiyu Barasa reaffirmed TTU’s commitment to supporting government efforts in responsible mining. He outlined the university’s future plans, including the
introduction of new engineering programs in geological, materials, mechanical, and civil engineering.
He also mentioned plans to come up with a school of Health Sciences focused on occupational health in mining.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Richard Kibengo, the chair of the Taita Taveta Alumni Association, urged the government to prioritize TTU graduates in mining job placements and invest in equipping the National Mining Institute. He pointed out that TTU had positioned itself as a leader in mineral processing innovation, having registered three patents in mining technology.
In response, Mwangi assured alumni that the government remains committed to expanding job opportunities in the sector, noting that 56 out of the 76 newly recruited mine inspectors were TTU graduates.
“I’m pleased to report that we recently hired 76 inspectors of mine, out of which 56 are from Taita Taveta University. So, the State Department for Mining, therefore, is very pleased with the training that is offered at this university,” he stated.
He called for stronger collaboration between the government, academia, and private investors to ensure Kenya’s mining sector grows sustainably.
