The Senate Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources has launched investigations into a proposed underground gold mining project in Kakamega County following concerns by residents and stakeholders.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The committee, chaired by Mombasa County Senator Mohamed Faki, conducted a fact-finding mission to Isulu-Bushiangala in Ikolomani Constituency after receiving a petition linked to the proposed mining project by Shanta Gold Kenya Limited.

The visit forms part of the Senate’s oversight and public participation mandate aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the project and addressing concerns raised by the affected communities.

According to the petition, residents have raised questions over the licensing process, environmental compliance, public participation, land ownership, compensation and the potential social and economic impact of the project.

📌 What You Need to Know

During the visit, members of the committee held meetings with residents, community leaders, county officials and representatives from relevant institutions to gather firsthand information and hear views from all sides.

The Senate team also toured the proposed project site to assess covers surrounding environmental safeguards, land rights and community welfare.

The proposed mining project has continued to attract attention in Kakamega, a region long associated with gold deposits and artisanal mining activities.

Speaking during the exercise, Sen Faki said the Senate remains committed to ensuring that development projects are implemented in accordance with the Constitution and the law while protecting the rights and interests of local communities.

Additionally, residents and local leaders also insisted that any investor seeking to undertake mining activities in Bushiangala Village must operate transparently and involve the community in all stages of the project.

They maintained that no gold extraction should proceed without a legally recognised Community Development Agreement, arguing that residents must benefit directly from the project and have their concerns fully addressed before mining operations begin.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke