On August 24, 2024, Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Ali Hassan Joho, made an unannounced visit to Madini House in Nairobi.
The surprise visit was marked by Joho’s frustration with the management and staff over alleged irregularities.
He discovered that mineral experts at the facility were approving minerals for export without verifying their sources, raising serious concerns about the possibility of supporting illegal mining activities.
In a widely circulated video, Joho questioned the processes at Madini House, demanding to know why the origin of mineral samples wasn’t being thoroughly investigated.
His questions exposed the inadequacies of the staff, who struggled to provide satisfactory explanations.
This prompted Joho to order immediate administrative action against one of the employees, insisting on accountability within the department.
The incident has drawn praise from Kenyans, with many lauding Joho’s proactive approach and comparing his style to that of former Tanzanian President John Magufuli, known for similar impromptu inspections.
Joho’s actions have sparked debates about governance and accountability in the mining sector, with some commentators noting that such steps could help curb the illegal practices plaguing the industry.
