The Directorate of Mining in Turkana County of Kenya has halted gold mining activities near Nagetei Girls Secondary School following public outcry over environmental and safety concerns.
On Monday, the county government announced the immediate suspension of mining operations in the area, citing non-compliance with environmental regulations and public safety risks.
Acting Director for Mineral Resources Elim Areman stated that the decision was driven by numerous complaints from the local community about the dangers posed by the mining activities. “We found the mining activities were very close to the school, posing a serious threat to the local environment. This situation is unacceptable, and the operator has been ordered to cease operations immediately,” Areman said.
An earlier county report revealed widespread disregard for environmental protection laws, prompting the suspension as part of broader efforts to regulate artisanal mining and promote sustainable practices within the sector.
The suspension also aligns with recent national government initiatives to revoke all existing mining licenses in a bid to combat illegal mining and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
The Nagetei area is one of Turkana’s key gold-mining zones, but a recent survey by the State Department of Mining highlighted a disconnect between the region’s substantial mineral wealth and the benefits received by the local community. The report attributed this disparity to illegal mining activities, which have resulted in both financial exploitation and environmental degradation.
The report also called for stricter enforcement of mining regulations to safeguard the interests of the local community and protect the environment from further damage.