Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has imposed a new ban following an early Monday meeting in Migori County
Kindiki has placed a ban on artisinal mining activities in the country. In a statement, the Interior CS announced that the ban will be extended to unlicensed commercial mining in the country.
He attributed the decision to public safety concerns and the issue of environmental standards.
Following the ban, Kindiki directed the security agencies and intelligence officers to help impose the ban in Migori and other parts of the country.
According to the CS, the embargo will help the government regulate the sector.
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"To ensure regularised artisinal mining that meets public safety and environmental standards, the Government has banned all artisinal mining activities as well as unlicensed commercial mining. The Migori County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) is directed to enforce this directive immediately," Kindiki announced.
The directive comes days after he declared 13 areas near mining sites within the general Hillo Area in Marsabit County as disturbed and dangerous.
Kindiki ordered the residents to vacate the areas immediately. The areas included Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, and Hillo Gootu.
Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karmay, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee and Hillo Godde Haroressa were also included.
“Pursuant to section 8 (1) of the Public Order Act, no person may be found present in the afore specified areas at any time from the date. hereof without written authority from the County Police Commander of Marsabit County.
“This notice takes effect from 0630 Hrs on the 14th March 2024, for a period of thirty (30) days and may be withdrawn, varied, continued or otherwise altered as appropriate and as the Cabinet Secretary may direct,” the notice read in part.
