MIGORI, Kenya – Artisanal miners in Migori County are expressing frustration over difficulties in acquiring mining licenses, despite the government’s directive for them to operate under cooperative societies.
The miners claim the government has made it challenging to access the necessary documents for legal mining operations.
Kephas Ojuka, chairperson of the Migori County Artisanal Miners SACCO, highlighted the issue during a meeting with Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko.
According to Ojuka, although the SACCO has prepared all required documents, their efforts to apply for licenses have been stymied by the inactive mining Cadaster portal.
The portal, used to submit applications, is reportedly down due to technical issues that only the national government can resolve.
“The portal isn’t active, and this has prevented us from applying for licenses,” Ojuka explained, adding that the delay is hampering their ability to benefit from the region’s mineral wealth.
Governor Ayacko acknowledged the difficulties the miners are facing and pledged to collaborate with the national government to fast-track the licensing process.
He encouraged miners to form cooperative societies, a move that would streamline the approval of licenses at both the county and national levels.
“I will engage with the national government to ensure that artisanal miners can obtain their licenses,” Governor Ayacko assured during the meeting.
In addition to addressing licensing concerns, the miners voiced their desire for more control over local resources.
Elly Duro, chairperson of the Migori County Artisanal Miners Committee, emphasized the need for the government to ensure local miners benefit from the county’s mineral resources before foreign entities are allowed to operate.
The miners’ plea comes amid a broader push to formalize artisanal mining, a sector that plays a significant role in the region’s economy but has long operated in legal limbo.
The miners claim the government has made it challenging to access the necessary documents for legal mining operations.
Kephas Ojuka, chairperson of the Migori County Artisanal Miners SACCO, highlighted the issue during a meeting with Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko.
According to Ojuka, although the SACCO has prepared all required documents, their efforts to apply for licenses have been stymied by the inactive mining Cadaster portal.
The portal, used to submit applications, is reportedly down due to technical issues that only the national government can resolve.
“The portal isn’t active, and this has prevented us from applying for licenses,” Ojuka explained, adding that the delay is hampering their ability to benefit from the region’s mineral wealth.
Governor Ayacko acknowledged the difficulties the miners are facing and pledged to collaborate with the national government to fast-track the licensing process.
He encouraged miners to form cooperative societies, a move that would streamline the approval of licenses at both the county and national levels.
“I will engage with the national government to ensure that artisanal miners can obtain their licenses,” Governor Ayacko assured during the meeting.
In addition to addressing licensing concerns, the miners voiced their desire for more control over local resources.
Elly Duro, chairperson of the Migori County Artisanal Miners Committee, emphasized the need for the government to ensure local miners benefit from the county’s mineral resources before foreign entities are allowed to operate.
The miners’ plea comes amid a broader push to formalize artisanal mining, a sector that plays a significant role in the region’s economy but has long operated in legal limbo.
