National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has said communities living in mineral-rich areas should directly benefit from the extraction of natural resources, noting that mining activities must translate into tangible development for residents.
Speaking during a fundraiser at Moyeni Girls Senior School in Kinango Constituency, Kwale County, Wetangula said the government was committed to ensuring investors operating in the mining sector share benefits with local communities, landowners and county governments.
He said President William Ruto had tasked Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho with promoting fairness and equity in the management of the country’s mineral resources.
“We will not allow foreigners to extract our minerals, take away the wealth and leave our communities with open pits. Those exploiting our minerals must share the benefits with local communities, landowners and county governments so that the resources contribute to development,” said Wetangula.
The Speaker noted that Kwale, which hosts the country’s largest titanium deposits alongside other mineral resources, has the potential to become one of Kenya’s wealthiest counties if its natural resources are managed prudently.
He said revenue generated from mining should be invested in schools, roads, health facilities and other development projects in areas where the resources are extracted.
Wetangula also identified fisheries and tourism as key economic sectors capable of accelerating the county’s growth. He cited the government’s ongoing investment in a modern fish market in Shimoni and other projects aimed at expanding economic opportunities along the Coast.
He urged leaders to support the tourism sector, cautioning against negative remarks that could discourage foreign visitors and undermine an industry that provides employment and contributes significantly to the national economy.
The Speaker further called for national unity, urging Kenyans to reject politics based on ethnicity, religion and regional divisions and instead embrace inclusive development across the country.
On voter registration, Wetangul’a encouraged eligible Kenyans to obtain national identity cards and register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“In the past, many young people faced unnecessary questions before getting IDs. Today, obtaining an identity card is free, and the restrictions that existed before have been removed. Every eligible Kenyan should get an ID and register to vote,” he said.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the national government was implementing several development projects in Kwale County, including the Kwale-Kinango-Samburu Road, the Mwache Dam project, the construction of Kinango Market and the Affordable Housing Programme.
He said the projects were expected to stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure and enhance livelihoods across the county.
Mvurya also urged eligible residents to register as voters, saying the Coast region had the potential to significantly increase its voter numbers and strengthen its political influence through active participation in elections.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani similarly urged Coast residents to register as voters, saying increased voter participation would strengthen the region’s voice in national affairs.
She called on residents to increase the region’s voter population from the current estimated 2.9 million to about four million before the next general election.
The fundraiser was hosted by Kinango MP Gonzi Rai and attended by Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and other leaders.
By Chari Suche
