Search Results for “ministry of mining (kenya)”

Source: Ministry of Mining (Kenya)

The Ministry of Mining of the Republic of Kenya is a Kenyan government ministry that oversees the Mineral sector in the country.
Kenya has a variety of mineral deposits and exploration projects even though mining in the country is largely small-scale. Some of the minerals found in Kenya include; soda ash, limestone, fluorspar, gemstones and even gold.
The Ministry of mining was established as an independent ministry after the 2013 general elections. The government recognized that the mining industry in Kenya has the potential to spur the country's economic growth. Prior to the ministry's establishment all mining related activities in Kenya were overseen by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Najib Balala, a jubilee government principal, was then appointed as the first Cabinet Secretary to head the newly formed ministry.
In 2016, the Mining Act was enacted, introducing what was considered by industry stakeholders a modern legislation to spur the sectors growth. Even with the new legislation, Kenya's Mining sector remains largely under explored with players citing various challenges including lack of adequate government support.
In 2019, for instance, the government issued a moratorium restricting the processing and issuance of licenses and renewal applications saying it was aimed at streamlining the sector and map out minerals and take an audit of existing permits and licences.
President William Ruto has cited that his government is committed to support the development of the country's mining sector and create a conducive environment for investors. In April 2024, the government lifted the four-year freeze on issuing mining licences.
In February 2024, the government signed a multi-billion shilling deal with a UK-based firm to revive fluorspar exploration at Kerio Valley following the closure of the Kenya Fluorspar over a decade ago.