TAITA TAVETA RESIDENTS SET TO BENEFIT FROM NEW COUNTY MINING POLICY.

Residents of Taita Taveta County are set to benefit significantly from the development of a new County Mining Policy that aims to promote transparency, sustainability, and equitable sharing of mineral wealth.

The County Government of Taita Taveta this week has launched a public participation exercise to gather views from communities across all sub-counties, marking the start of an inclusive process to shape a policy that will ensure local people gain more from the region’s rich mineral resources.

According to the Acting Chief Officer for Lands, Physical Planning, Mining and Urban Development, Rina Mwanake, the policy will help strengthen governance in the mining sector and create more opportunities for local residents.

Under the new policy framework, local communities are expected to gain through increased job opportunities, better infrastructure, improved environmental management, and community development programs funded by mining revenues.

Artisanal and Small Scale Miners (ASM), who form a large part of the local mining workforce, are also expected to benefit from clearer regulations, technical support, and access to modern equipment. Stakeholders, led by Stephen Mwadime, urged the county to review laws that currently limit small scale miners from using machinery, saying the reforms would boost productivity and income.

The policy will also promote value addition encouraging investors and local entrepreneurs to process minerals within the county, rather than exporting raw materials. This is expected to stimulate local industries, create jobs, and increase revenue for the county and its residents.

The week long public participation exercise is being carried out in partnership with Transparency International Kenya and Oxfam Kenya to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the policy making process.

Moreover, once adopted, the County Mining Policy will serve as a roadmap for sustainable mineral resource management  ensuring that mining not only fuels economic growth but also uplifts the livelihoods of Taita Taveta residents.

 

Patience Samba,

Mombasa.

 

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