The government has ordered the immediate shutdown of over 500 gold mining sites in West Pokot County following the tragic collapse of the Kambi Karaya gold mine on Sunday, June 15, which left one person deceased and several others feared trapped underground.
West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdulahi announced the directive on Monday, citing rampant illegal mining activities and serious safety and environmental concerns. The closure affects mining sites in Kambi Karaya, Turkwel, Sekerr, Morita, and Romos, across Pokot Central, Kipkomo, Kacheliba, and Kapenguria sub-counties.
“The decision was made after consultation with security agencies and the State Department of Mining,” said Abdulahi during a press briefing. “Many of these sites operate without valid licenses, putting lives at risk.”
Rescue operations at the collapsed Kambi Karaya site are ongoing, led by the Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Red Cross, and the National Police Service. Authorities believe several miners remain trapped beneath the rubble.
This incident comes just days after a similar tragedy in Karon village, Turkwel, where four miners lost their lives and five were injured when a mine caved in on June 7.
Abdulahi also raised concerns about the environmental impact of unregulated mining, stating that key water sources like River Turkwel have been polluted to the point of being unsafe for domestic use. He warned that continued mining without regulation has led to widespread degradation, posing long-term risks to local communities.
To address the situation, the government has established a mining office in the county to regulate artisanal mining and enforce safety standards. All miners and investors have been given three months to comply with new regulations.
The County Commissioner further linked illegal mining to rising cases of child labour, early marriages, and school dropouts, stressing the urgent need to restore order and protect vulnerable populations.
“The safety of our people and the future of our children must come first,” Abdulahi emphasized.
Written By Rodney Mbua
