Editor's Review
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued an update on the ongoing construction of the Lidambitsa Gold Refinery in Ikolomani, Kakamega County.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued an update on the ongoing construction of the Lidambitsa Gold Refinery in Ikolomani, Kakamega County.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 23, PS Omollo said the construction of the project is at an advanced stage.
According to Omollo, the facility will be the first modern gold refinery built to international standards in Kenya.
“A transformative chapter is unfolding in Kakamega County with the construction of the Lidambitsa Gold Refinery in Ikolomani Sub-county, a flagship Ministry of Mining project that is now at an advanced stage of development.
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“The facility is poised to become Kenya's first modern gold refinery built to international standards, marking a significant step towards local mineral processing, value addition and increased returns from the country's mineral resources,” read the statement in part.
The Lidambitsa Gold Refinery complex comprises a processing plant, laboratory, administration block and secure storage facilities.
It also has a powerhouse, staff accommodation, cafeteria, clubhouse, helipad and a police post.
PS Omollo noted that the gold refinery will provide a transparent and structured market for artisanal and small-scale miners once fully operational.
The Interior PS also said the refinery is designed to recover and process other valuable minerals commonly associated with gold deposits.
“In addition to gold refining, the plant is designed to recover and process other valuable minerals commonly associated with gold deposits, including silver, copper, zinc and other base metals, strengthening Kenya's position in the regional minerals value chain,” said PS Omollo.
Further, Omollo mentioned that the facility will serve both Kenya and the wider East African region.
“It is expected to serve both Kenya and the wider East African region, positioning the country as a regional hub for mineral refining and trade while creating jobs, stimulating local businesses and increasing revenues from the mining sector,” he added.
This comes a day after PS Omollo announced that the Waruhiu County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Githunguri, Kiambu County, has reached 95% completion.
In a statement on Monday, September 21, Omollo said the 10-acre facility is located at the Waruhiu Agricultural Training Centre Farm in Ngewa Ward and is being jointly financed by the National and County Governments on a 50:50 basis.
"Through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the National Government is committed to serving Kenyans indiscriminately, with a deliberate focus on creating opportunities for farmers and small-scale traders," the statement read.
The ministry said the facility is designed to bring infrastructure, markets and value addition services closer to agricultural producers in the region.
The park will feature several facilities intended to improve the handling and processing of horticultural produce after it is harvested.
