Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has announced the immediate shutdown of a major cement company’s mining operations in the Kilifi-Kaloleni area, citing regulatory breaches.
Speaking during a public engagement, Joho revealed that the company in question had repeatedly failed to obtain the required permits from both county and national governments.
He emphasized that multiple warnings had been issued, but the firm continued operations without compliance.
The closure is expected to affect hundreds of workers employed at the site, raising concerns about job losses and economic disruptions in the area.
“We cannot allow mining to continue without proper authorization. It puts our environment, communities, and legal frameworks at risk,” Joho stated firmly.
To prevent similar cases in the future, the CS directed Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai to initiate the creation of local mining oversight committees.
These committees will be responsible for monitoring mining activities and ensuring all operations adhere to legal and environmental standards.
The move signals a stricter stance by the Ministry of Mining on non-compliance and is part of a broader push to streamline the sector.
Joho urged all mining firms across the country to regularize their documentation or risk similar action.
The cement company is yet to issue a public response regarding the shutdown.
By Kenyans