The Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has ordered a Chinese Investor to halt production at Chemolingot’s diatomite processing plant in Baringo.
After visiting the site on Thursday, January 25, Mvurya was said to have asked the factory’s owner to close it or relocate to Katikit where its mines are located.
The CS declared the current factory location illegal considering its proximity to schools, citing noise disruptions and dust-related health issues and risks to children in the institutions.
Baringo governor Benjamin Cheboi lauded the decision, adding that the factory’s relocation would create job opportunities for youths in Katikit.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, and Tiaty MP William Kamket, among other leaders at the Chemolingot’s diatomite processing plant in Tiaty, Baringo County on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Photo Baringo News Daily
“With the relocation, the diatomite industry has a chance to blossom, creating jobs, boosting the local economy, and ensuring responsible environmental practices,” he stated.
Tiaty MP William Kamket requested Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen to improve road access in the area by repairing the road system connecting to Katikit.
Kamket further appealed to Energy CS Davis Chirchir to install electricity to facilitate the efficient operation of the relocated factory.
The diatomite deposits are located in Katikit within Tiaty and in Kaborion within Baringo North.
CS Mvurya on Wednesday announced the discovery of Coltan deposits in Turkana, Embu, Samburu, Tana River, Kitui, and West Pokot counties. The mineral is used in the making of phones and other technological gadgets.
Section 40 of the Mining Act states that a CS may allow mining on land if he or she considers that withholding of consent is contrary to the national interest.
“The Cabinet Secretary may take steps under Compulsory acquisition of the law relating to the compulsory acquisition of land or land for rights or interests in land, to vest the land or area in prospecting and question, or rights or interests in such land or area, in the mining Government or on behalf of the Government,” part of the Act reads.
A mining permit in Kenya includes a non-refundable application fee of Ksh 50,000 and an annual rent per hectare occupied by the operation of Ksh 2000. Large-scale mining annual fees range from a minimum of Ksh 500,000.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, and Tiaty MP William Kamket, among other leaders at the Chemolingot’s diatomite processing plant in Tiaty, Baringo County on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Photo Baringo News Daily