During a recent visit by Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to Nandi County, tensions erupted over ongoing mining disputes.
The visit was marked by clashes between local communities and mining stakeholders, largely due to disagreements on how royalties and benefits should be shared.
Joho warned that his ministry would not tolerate investors who fail to pay their dues or neglect community development obligations, an issue that has been a significant source of friction in the region.
Joho emphasized that all mining firms must now comply with a revised directive requiring them to settle royalties before extracting minerals, addressing a loophole that has allowed some companies to delay payments.
The dispute in Nandi mirrors similar issues in other parts of the country, where communities feel sidelined by investors who fail to honor agreements.
The CS also stressed the need for inclusive decision-making that considers the voices of local communities.
This incident highlights broader frustrations with how mining activities are conducted in Kenya, especially regarding the fair distribution of benefits among stakeholders.
The local community in Nandi, like others, is demanding more transparency and immediate compensation for the resources extracted from their land.
