Mining ministry has been asked for explanation on the whereabouts of billions of shillings in royalties paid by mining company Base Titanium which is based in Kwale County.
Msambweni MP Feisal Bader in whose constituency the firm operates asked a question in Parliament seeking to get a response from Mining CS John Munyes .
“Could the Cabinet Secretary provide details on the amount of royalties collected by the government since the enactment of the Mining Act 2016?" he asked.
There has been hue and cry from the locals in Kwale that despite the company making billions of shillings, it has slowly impacted on their development and hence asking for more from the firm to support their livelihoods.
It is estimated that at least Sh6 billion has been collected over the past six years which Base Titanium says it remitted to the government as required by the Mining Act.
The MP also inquired about the mechanisms put in place to ensure the fees and other royalties collected by the government have benefited the people of Kwale County.
Youth from Kwale last August requested for royalties from the government to enable them set up enterprises. The move according to the youths was meant to help them curb joblessness.
“This is the money we need to empower ourselves and develop various sectors in our county. Unfortunately, such resources are taken from our land as residents struggle," said KYA president Rashid Ali Mwabagizo.
KYA comprises young people from Kwale sub-counties who meet to discuss issues affecting them.
Last month, Base titanium was awarded ISO certificate making it the first mining company in East and Central Africa to receive the ISO 14001.
General Manager Operation Denham Vickers said the certification demonstrates Base Titanium’s commitment towards “continuous improvement, and responsibility” to reduce environmental footprint by adopting an effective environmental management system in the mining sector.
“The certification means that we have properly implemented the standard and its requirements in our Environmental Management System. It signals to all our partners and stakeholders that we are committed to the highest global environmental management standards,” said Mr Vickers.
The certification covers the entire Base Titanium’s operations, including the Port Facility in Likoni.
Mr Vickers said having the certificate has enhanced Base Titanium’s reputation and image within the mining industry not only in Kenya but in East and Central Africa.
Mid this year, the company together with the Mining Ministry and community representatives launched the Community Development Agreement.
The agreement will see residents of Mombasa and Kwale get at least Sh110 million as benefits from the mining activities in affected areas, other than the royalties.
The agreement will see the mining company cede one per cent of gross sales revenue, which will go towards development projects in Msambweni, which is the main mining area, Lunga Lunga where persons affected by the mining activities were resettled, and Mombasa that serves as the endpoint of the mineral transport corridor before export.
*This article was written by Ramadhan Kambi for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
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