Kakamega county assembly speaker James Namatsi, Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai and county assembly deputy speaker Collins Shitiabayi  after a meeting in Grant Royal Swiss hotel, Kisumu /HILTON OTENYO

The Kakamega County Assembly will hear two petitions filed by civil society organisations against the proposed gold mining in Ikolomani subcounty in public on Thursday.

The county assembly issued a notice on Friday inviting views from the public and other stakeholders by way of written memorandum in readiness for the hearing.

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The two petitions will be heard by the assembly committee on environment, natural resources, energy, water and climate change at Malinya Stadium in the Idakho Central Ward.

“The committee has scheduled a petition hearing and public participation forum on Thursday, April 23, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m,” read an advertisement in the local dailies, signed by assemblyclerk Donald Manyala.

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“The committee is currently considering a petition on the ongoing concerns in the gold mining areas of lsulu-Bushiangala in Ikolomani subcounty.”

The petitions were filed in December by Nelly Madegwa of Msingi Adili, Nickson Murabwa (KCC), Brenda Oyiko (The Haki Comm), Eliud Wanjala (Shabokee Stars) and Audrey Bigatih of G to W.

The petitioners cited lack of artisanal mining licensing, inadequate public participation and disclosure, exclusion from decision-making, risk of displacement and eviction and environmental and health concerns.

They also cited threats to cultural heritage, economic displacement and lack of civic education.

“Efforts have been made to have this matter addressed by the relevant authorities, including engagement with administrative and regulatory bodies, but no satisfactory resolution has been achieved,” the petitioners said.

The petitioners want county assembly to intervene and recommend suspension of the proposed mining activities pending mandatory stakeholder engagement, including issuance of artisanal mining permits to local artisanal miners, comprehensive civic and public education and full disclosure of environmental and social impact, compensation and benefit-sharing.

They want the investor to establish, develop and implement a fair, transparent and lawful resettlement plan in accordance with the Mining Act: 2016 and applicable human rights standards, sustainable mining practices and protection of cultural heritage.

They have also prayed for formal engagement and binding agreements between Shanta Gold Company Limited and local mining co-operatives, including employment and revenue transparency and environmental protection measures.

The petitions were filed following deadly protests by residents against a mining proposal by the gold company, which has been engaged in the exploration of the precious mineral for more than two decades.

The protests followed attempts by the National Environmental Management Authority to conduct public participation.

Shanta Gold has applied for a mining licence to extract gold it has discovered in Bushangala and Isulu with an estimated value of Sh680 billion.