Mining stakeholders led by KMA officer Kashi Jermaine converge at Leisure Lodge Hotel in Kwale County.
BY SHABAN OMAR
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), county government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the Kwale Mining Affected Communities are set to petition the government for the release of over Ksh 2.9 billion in mineral royalties.
This comes as Australian mining firm Base Titanium plans to close its operations by the end of the year, following the depletion of minerals.
Gladys Mongare, KHRC Senior Advisor for Land, Environment, and Resource Justice, criticized the delay in releasing mineral royalties, which she called a violation of the rights of the affected communities.
She said that nearly eight years after the Mining Act was enacted, many mining-affected communities and counties are still awaiting their rightful share of royalties.
Kwale County alone is owed Ksh 1.2 billion, followed by Kilifi with Ksh 350 million, and Kajiado with Ksh 660 million.
The delay in disbursing royalties has hindered development and worsened poverty in these regions.
Mongare also expressed concern over the government’s failure to fully implement the provisions of the Mining Act, urging that amendments be made to address emerging issues.
Kenya Human Rights Commission Senior Advisor for Land, Environment, and Resource Justice Gladys Mongare
She said the finite nature of mineral resources and stressed the need for communities to benefit from them.
Mongare said the petition will seek to address challenges and advocate for stronger revenue-sharing mechanisms in the extractive sector.
She spoke during a two-day dialogue forum on revenue and royalty sharing in the extractive sector forum at Leisure lodge hotel in Kwale County. The forum was organized by the KHRC in partnership with Kwale Mining Alliance.
Mongare also mentioned that mining-affected communities are calling for the removal of politicians from the Community Development Agreement Committees (CDACs), as they feel politicians prioritize projects under the responsibility of national and county governments.
Kwale County Solicitor Kisiwa Koja confirmed plans to petition both the Senate and national government.
He said the delayed funds in mineral royalties has negatively impacted the county development since they last financial budgeted for it but the money was not disbursed.
Kwale County Solicitor Kisiwa Koja
Koja added that if the petition is unsuccessful, they would consider legal action.
Coast Regional Geologist Fred Wafula acknowledged the efforts of rights organizations but urged patience, explaining that the government is working on finalizing a policy framework for sharing mineral royalties.
Meanwhile, community member Bernedeta Kilulu stressed that the funds are a right, not a privilege, and called for their immediate release to improve community development.
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