The Kenyan government has issued a stern warning to cement manufacturers, accusing them of fueling illegal mining activities by sourcing materials from unlicensed dealers. Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho delivered a scathing rebuke to industry players during a recent meeting with cement producers, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, and the Kenya Chamber of Mines.
Joho minced no words, stating, “We need your support in fighting against illegal mining operations, but sadly some of you provide markets for minerals extracted illegally by faceless entities that are not paying taxes, royalties, and are giving nothing to communities for those minerals. This must stop.” His remarks underscore the government’s growing concern over the unchecked exploitation of Kenya’s natural resources.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the alarming prevalence of illegal mining in the country, revealing that the government has been forced to shut down a staggering 3,000 illicit mining operations in the past three years. These clandestine operations not only deprive the government of much-needed revenue but also inflict significant damage on the environment and local communities.
Joho specifically called out the use of gypsum, a key ingredient in cement production, as a prime example of the problem. “You have been buying and using gypsum in cement manufacturing, yet there is no record of anyone licensed to mine gypsum in Kenya,” he asserted. “There are no records on production, payment of taxes and royalties, or community programs undertaken by any gypsum dealer because they are doing it illegally.”
The Cabinet Secretary’s accusations paint a picture of a complex web of illicit activity, where unlicensed miners extract resources with impunity, and cement producers, knowingly or unknowingly, provide a market for these illegally obtained materials. This practice not only undermines the rule of law but also perpetuates a cycle of environmental degradation and economic exploitation.
The government’s crackdown signals a renewed commitment to tackling illegal mining and ensuring that the country’s natural resources are managed responsibly. Joho’s message was clear: cement producers must take greater responsibility for their supply chains and ensure that they are not contributing to the problem.
The meeting served as a platform for the government to engage directly with industry stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collaboration in combating illegal mining. The government is seeking to enlist the support of cement producers and industry associations in its efforts to bring transparency and accountability to the mineral sector.
The long-term implications of this crackdown remain to be seen. However, the government’s decisive action sends a strong signal that it is serious about addressing the issue of illegal mining. Whether cement producers will heed the warning and take concrete steps to reform their sourcing practices remains to be seen. The future of Kenya’s mining industry, and the sustainable management of its natural resources, may well depend on it.