West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin during a meeting on mining activities./FILE

West Pokot county has warned of the severe negative impact of gold mining activities on the environment and livelihoods in the region.

 

Governor Simon Kachapin held a crisis meeting with his officers from the environmental department to assess the impact and come up with mitigation measures, including enforcement of regulations to control gold mining in the region.

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The county boss held a meeting with officials from the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, led by chief officer Leonard Kamsait.

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The team briefed Kachapin on the status of gold mining in West Pokot and its impact on the environment.

 

According to an assessment report, gold mining has resulted in notable environmental degradation, which, if not controlled, may cause severe effects on the lives of residents.

 

Kamsait said many mining sites had been left with open deep and shallow pits, posing serious safety risks to communities and livestock.

 

Additionally, water sources within and around the affected areas have been impacted by siltation, rendering the water unsafe for domestic use.

 

Further concern was raised over the involvement of illegal investors who have established leaching plants and are reportedly using hazardous chemicals such as sodium cyanide.

 

“All these activities pose significant risks to environmental sustainability, public health, and water ecosystems,” Kamari said.

 

To address the challenges, the county has proposed several key measures, including the formation and formalisation of artisanal gold mining groups.

 

Such action, the county says, will improve regulation and accountability, licensing of miners and investors to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards, and strict enforcement of land rehabilitation requirements following mining activities.

 

The county has also emphasised the need for enhanced monitoring and enforcement to curb illegal mining and the use of harmful chemicals.

 

Kachapin tasked the team to look into ways of enforcing the measures to help protect the environment including water sources in the region.

“We have to ensure that we sensitise residents on the need to protect the environment through controlled mining activities in the affected areas,” Kachapin said.

 

He said the county would extensively involve communities and mining groups in enforcement of measures to protect the environment in the region.

 

Gold mining in West Pokot county takes place in several areas, including: Alale near Muruni River, which is known for traditional gold mining.

 

Other areas include Seker range which has limited gold deposits and Kambi Karayat which is a major gold mining site even though operations were suspended due to safety concerns.

 

There are also mining activities in Turkwel, Kacheliba, Kapenguria, Lami Nyeusi, Orua, Massol and Muruny areas.