Kiambu County administration has appointed a technical committee to devise a policy to govern mining activities that will regulate quarrying activities within the County’s jurisdiction.

The committee to be led by Director of Natural Resources and Forestry, Mr Samuel Wakangu will be responsible for developing, and implementing policies and laws by adopting applicable constitutional principles, and best industry practices that will emphasise responsible land resource management.

Wakangu said the need for a policy framework has been informed by a desire to provide clear guidance for sustainable mineral resources development.

‘This exercise underscores the department’s commitment to preserving the environment while fostering responsible economic development,’ Wakangu said.

The director noted that while there exist diatomite deposits in Ndeiya and Karai, more investment is needed to determine other diatomite deposits that are unexploited.

‘Exploration for other mineral deposits also needs to be enhanced to de
termine whether other deposits are available, especially in the arid areas of Limuru and Kabete constituencies,’ said Wakangu.

He further called on the County Government to improve its investment in the sector to boost the monetary output from the sector.

The committee also seeks to cover various quarrying issues including, mining rights, disputes relating to licenses and permits, structures for negotiating quarrying agreements, terms and conditions for mining activity and work programmes.

Other matters to be looked include are structure for payments and the implementation of policies for small-scale mining operations such as the extraction of ballast, gravel, murram, sand, and building stones in Juja.

This exercise, he said, underscores the department’s commitment to preserving the environment while fostering responsible economic development. ‘Together, we can ensure that our natural heritage is protected for generations to come,’ he concluded.

Source: Kenya News Agency