The leadership of Kishushe Ranching Cooperative Society Ltd wants the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs to clarify the consent procedures the government set for mining investors seeking to operate within their land.
In a press briefing held in Voi, the cooperative’s Secretary, Wilfred Mwalimo, outlined concerns about what the ranch considers procedural irregularities in the issuance of mining licenses to eight investors whom the cooperative says did not obtain proper consent from ranch members as required by law.
The ranch leadership says they are seeking to uphold the provisions of the Mining Act 2016, which requires investors to obtain free, prior, and informed consent from landowners before commencing mining operations.
The cooperative maintains that this legal requirement is fundamental to protecting community land rights and ensuring transparent partnerships.
Matilda Waleghwa, chairperson of the cooperative, explained that the ranch has two investors who followed proper procedures. She cited two companies, Archers Post Investments Limited and Universal Mineral Explorers, which obtained member consent through the required Special General Meetings before beginning their operations.
“We have our laws that require any investor to come and get consent from members for mining. Some investors followed the due process as required by the laws of the ranch and were allowed to carry on with their work,” Waleghwa said.
The cooperative has identified eight entities currently listed in the mining deal the group consider as proper member approval. These include Devki Steel Mills Ltd, Mawingu Mining Limited Company, Jiu Jiu Gui Zhen Group Limited, Mema Garnets Company Limited, Pacific Industrial Energy Limited, Catherine Kariuki, Murangiri Gems Africa, and Isaak Mwabili Test Company.
Mwalimo emphasized that the cooperative’s concerns are not against investment itself but about following proper legal channels.
He noted that the ranch appreciates development and welcomes investors who engage with the community through established legal frameworks.
The Secretary particularly highlighted the case of Devki Steel Mills Ltd, which is establishing a palletization plant in Manga, Taita Taveta County. While expressing 100 percent support for this investment, the cooperative raised concerns about ensuring local participation in the mining value chain.
“We really appreciate Devki for coming and investing in the county at Manga and we support the investment fully. What we are seeking is fair participation of local miners and suppliers in the mining economy,” Mwalimo stated.
The ranch leadership pointed out that there are approximately 20 artisanal miners’ groups operating within Kishushe who depend on mining for their livelihoods. They expressed concern about market access and fair pricing for local miners, noting disparities between international iron ore prices and what local suppliers are being offered.
According to Mwalimo, iron ore trades at approximately USD 107.7 per tonne at the London Metal Exchange, which translates to about Sh13,911. However, local suppliers report being offered between Sh3,500 to Sh5,500 per tonne, raising questions about fair compensation.
Mwashinga Mjomba, chairman of the cooperative’s supervisory committee, said the ranch leadership has engaged with representatives of various investors, encouraging them to follow proper consent procedures by presenting their proposals at member meetings.
“We want investors to understand that we are the landowners of Kishushe and we simply want our rights respected through proper legal procedures. We welcome investment but it must be done correctly,” Mjomba explained.
The cooperative has formally communicated with the Ministry of Mining, the county government, and local parliamentary representatives seeking clarification on the consent process and requesting support for transparent, community-centered investor selection procedures.
The ranch leadership outlined their expectations stating that all mining licenses should reflect genuine member consent obtained through proper SGMs, that the cadastre should accurately represent approved investors, and that a transparent Expression of Interest process should be supported for future mining partnerships.
Mwalimo noted that since the constitution vests power with the people of Kenya, the cooperative believes that power over community land decisions rests with ranch members. He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure legal procedures are followed.
In their statement, the cooperative emphasized their commitment to peace, order, lawful partnerships, community land rights, and economic empowerment. They expressed confidence that through dialogue and adherence to legal frameworks, mining investments can benefit both investors and the local community.
by Arnold Linga Masila
