The government has reaffirmed its commitment to openness and accountability as it advances plans for the Mrima Hills mining project in Kwale County, promising that the process will prioritize the interests of local communities and the nation.
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho, told county leaders that the project is still in the planning phase, with no investor selected, licence issued, or agreements signed.
Addressing Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) at the Kenya School of Government in Matuga, Joho stressed that identifying an investor will follow a transparent and competitive process.
“The Ministry is committed to a transparent and competitive process in identifying an investor, to ensure maximum benefit for the people of Kwale and the nation at large.
The Mrima project will be the first mining project in the country’s history to be taken through a tendering process as part of the effort of guaranteeing transparency,” Joho said.
The consultative meeting brought together county assembly leadership, including Speaker Seth Mwatela Kamanza, Deputy Speaker Andrew Mulei, Majority Leader Hanifa Mwajirani, Minority Leader Tumaini Mwachaunga, and County Clerk Fatuma Mwalupa.
The session formed part of ongoing stakeholder engagements on the proposed mining venture, which has attracted both national and international attention for its mineral potential.
Mrima Hills is set to host deposits of rare earth elements (REEs) and niobium, minerals critical for green technologies, electronics, and the production of high-strength steel. Analysts estimate that the minerals could be worth tens of billions of dollars, potentially making Kenya a leading supplier of strategic minerals.
Joho emphasized that the national government and the Kwale County Assembly are working closely to ensure the project is safe, sustainable, and beneficial to the local population. “We have agreed to work together to ensure the mining venture is safe, transparent, and sustainable, while delivering benefits to the local community,” he said.
Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai outlined the county’s mining potential, covering mineral ownership, land classification, licensing, compensation frameworks, and environmental safeguards.
He highlighted the importance of engaging communities throughout the project to protect their rights and preserve ecological and cultural assets.
MCAs welcomed the early engagement and pledged to help educate residents about the project while keeping political interests aside.
Technical officers from the State Department for Mining, Kwale County Commissioner David Rotich, and Lunga Lunga Deputy County Commissioner Christopher Siele also attended, showing coordinated government involvement in shaping the project’s future.
