New mining rules before Parliament could pave the way for counties to begin earning direct revenue from exploration projects, as the National Government moves to ensure local communities benefit early from mineral activities in their regions.
Speaking in Tharaka Nithi during a sensitisation forum that brought together the county executive and members of the county assembly mining committee, Mining CS Hassan Joho said the proposed framework will allow counties and host communities to receive their share of proceeds as soon as an exploration licence is issued.
He said the move is designed to build trust and guarantee that residents benefit directly from resources found beneath their land.
Joho revealed that the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy holds detailed data confirming the presence of valuable minerals across various parts of the country.
He noted that gold remains one of the most dominant minerals identified, with deposits reported in counties such as Tharaka Nithi and West Pokot.
To highlight the potential impact, Joho pointed to Kakamega, specifically the Ikolomani area where a company intends to explore.
He said the country received 6 billion dollars from the area, adding that the community is entitled to one per cent of that amount, which translates to about Sh6.8 billion. According to him, such returns have the capacity to transform livelihoods if properly managed.
The Cabinet Secretary said stronger cooperation between the national and county governments is necessary to ensure smooth implementation of mining activities and fair sharing of proceeds.
He noted that aligning legislation at both levels will reduce conflict and create a clear path for investors and communities alike.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who also serves as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors, said counties have consistently raised concerns about how communities can legally benefit from minerals found in their areas without falling prey to exploitation.
Both CS Joho and Governor Njuki said there have been instances where individuals with knowledge of mineral value have transported resources out of counties disguised as ballast, sand or other construction materials, denying locals fair returns.
Joho said the sensitisation process will not stop at leadership meetings.
Officers from the mining ministry, working jointly with county governments and assemblies, will conduct public forums to educate residents on the importance of minerals in their regions and the opportunities tied to regulated exploration.
Governor Njuki called for the establishment of mineral testing laboratories within counties to support artisanal miners.
He said such facilities would help small scale miners determine the true value of what they discover, enabling them to negotiate better prices and protect themselves from middlemen.
Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai said the ministry is also advancing regulations aimed at deepening collaboration between the two levels of government.
He added that part of the broader plan includes converting abandoned quarries into fish ponds to promote food production and strengthen food security.
The leaders said early revenue sharing, public awareness and stronger safeguards will be key in ensuring that mineral wealth benefits counties, communities and the country at large.
