Ikolomani miners back gold projects, call out ‘cartel’ misinformation

Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai with Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa during a consultative engagement forum with stakeholders in the Ikolomani gold mining at Golf hotel in Kakamega on Monday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO 

Gold miners in Ikolomani have dismissed claims that locals are against mining projects in the area, saying they are backing the government initiative.

The miners expressed their support for the projects, saying polarised public opinion was a result of misinformation and agitation by brokers, cartels, and certain political leaders.

They spoke during a consultative forum that brought together leaders of gold mining co-operatives, religious figures, and representatives from both national and county governments. The meeting was held at the Gold Hotel in Kakamega town and attended by Governor Fernandes Barasa and Mining PS Harry Kimtai.

“The problem is not the project; it is those who do not live here and seek to profit from fear and confusion,” said several miners, urging the government to prioritise landowners with valid title deeds while cutting out intermediaries.

To streamline operations, the government has deployed a technical team to map out all artisanal and small-scale miners in Ikolomani.

The initiative will help regularise operations by issuing licences and ensuring miners coexist peacefully with larger investors.

An 11-member committee, to be selected by the community, will work alongside the team to address local concerns.

Barasa welcomed the mining projects, including those by Shanta Gold, calling the sector a potential economic game-changer for the county.

“Mining can transform Kakamega if handled responsibly. I urge political leaders to depoliticise the issue so our people can fully benefit from this resource,” he said.

Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali echoed the call for licensing artisanal miners, noting that most are already in recognised co-operatives and that formal licences will ensure harmony with investors.

“We support mining because it is what our people have known for a long time,” Shinali said.

The MP is also the chairman of the Kakamega County parliamentary group caucus.

Patrick Ligami, chairman of the Kakamega County Mining Association, described the forum as a turning point.

“Since the Mining Act of 2016, there has never been a clear roadmap on permit issuance. Today, meaningful engagement with all stakeholders has provided that clarity,” he said.