West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has vowed to lead a legal campaign to stop illegal mining activities in the county, warning miners operating without proper licences to vacate mining sites immediately or face the full force of the law.
Kachapin said illegal mining had caused extensive environmental degradation, threatening rivers, land and the livelihoods of communities that should benefit from the county’s mineral wealth.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Makutano Primary School in Makutano town, the governor accused some investors of exploiting the county’s mineral resources without following the required legal procedures, warning that the consequences of mismanagement could outweigh the economic benefits expected from mining.
“The environmental degradation we are witnessing demonstrates how poorly we manage the natural resources we have as a county. Mismanagement and poor handling of these processes will cost us more than the resources should bring us,” he said.
The governor maintained that while West Pokot had considerable mineral potential, mining must be conducted within the law and in a manner that benefits local communities, the county government and the country.
He said his administration was preparing to pursue legal action against illegal miners, including petitioning the courts and the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Hassan Ali Joho, to intervene and restore order in the sector.
Kachapin warned that the fight against illegal mining would be among his administration’s priorities during the remaining months of his term, insisting that environmental destruction would not be tolerated under his leadership.
“I am not against mining activities. I am against illegal mining and the destruction of our environment. We want minerals to be extracted through the proper legal procedures, with licences issued to genuine investors and benefits reaching the people,” he said.
He called on those operating illegally to dismantle their operations and remove heavy machinery, including excavators, warning that they risked incurring substantial losses if enforcement action forced them to abandon their equipment.
The governor said he would personally lead the team pursuing the matter through the appropriate legal channels until illegal operations were stopped and mining resumed only under lawful arrangements.
Kachapin expressed particular concern over the alleged use of chemicals in gold extraction, saying aerial observations had revealed activities along River Weiwei and other rivers that raised questions about possible contamination.
He alleged that some miners were using the rivers for leaching processes involving chemicals to extract gold, putting water resources and the surrounding environment at risk.
The governor warned that pollution of rivers could threaten communities, livestock and agricultural activities that depend on the water sources.
He called for the removal of heavy commercial operators whose activities cause extensive environmental damage, proposing that mining should instead favour small-scale artisanal miners who can operate under appropriate regulations and environmental safeguards.
However, he emphasised that all mining activities must comply with the law and applicable environmental requirements, regardless of the scale of operation.
“We cannot allow our rivers, land and other natural resources to be destroyed in the name of mining. Let it not reach a point where the community is forced to stand guard over its land, rivers and resources because the responsible authorities have failed to protect them,” he said.
The governor urged the national government to streamline mining operations in West Pokot, ensure proper licensing and enforce regulations governing mineral extraction.
He cited an investor who had received the necessary approvals to mine clinker, a raw material used in cement manufacturing, as an example of how mineral exploitation could be undertaken through established legal procedures.
According to Kachapin, such investments could create economic opportunities and deliver benefits to the community, county and national government when handled transparently.
He referred to the Mining Act, 2016, as a legal framework governing mining activities and providing for the regulation of the sector, including the sharing of benefits arising from mineral exploitation.
He said his administration would pursue the matter through the courts and the relevant national government institutions to ensure that mining activities in the county were conducted lawfully.
The mineral most actively mined in West Pokot County is gold, particularly through artisanal and small-scale mining. However, the county also has significant deposits of limestone, gemstones and other minerals with economic potential.
The governor made the remarks as West Pokot joined the rest of the country in commemorating Mashujaa Day, a national occasion dedicated to honouring Kenyans whose sacrifices have contributed to the country’s independence and development.
Kachapin noted that West Pokot held a special place in Kenya’s liberation history, recalling that Kapenguria was where founding President Jomo Kenyatta and five other nationalist leaders were tried and detained during the struggle for independence.
He said the occasion provided an opportunity for Kenyans to reflect on the country’s journey, assess its present achievements and consider the future they wished to build.
“Today, we pay tribute to the heroes and heroines whose selfless sacrifices earned our nation’s independence and shaped our collective destiny. Celebrating their legacy reinforces our commitment to national progress,” he said.
The governor observed that heroism extended beyond the freedom fighters of the past to include ordinary citizens whose daily efforts sustained communities and contributed to national development.
He identified farmers, teachers, healthcare workers, security officers, businesspeople, young people and other citizens committed to the country’s progress as contemporary heroes deserving recognition.
He said farmers played a critical role in ensuring food security, while teachers, healthcare professionals and other public servants provided essential services that improved the welfare of communities.
Kachapin said his administration remained committed to protecting gains made through devolution, particularly in healthcare, education, infrastructure and the provision of basic services.
“My administration reaffirms its commitment to this noble duty and to maintaining a strong partnership with the National Government to accelerate development across West Pokot,” he said.
The governor also thanked President William Ruto for his recent development tour of West Pokot, during which several projects were commissioned or advanced, including roads, markets, student hostels and affordable housing.
He said improved road infrastructure would open up remote parts of the county, facilitate trade and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Kachapin noted that better roads would enable farmers to transport agricultural produce to markets more easily, helping them reach customers and improve their earnings.
He urged the President to maintain the development momentum and continue supporting projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.
The governor also highlighted progress towards the establishment of Kapenguria University College, saying the institution was awaiting further direction from the Commission for University Education on its official opening.
He said the college would initially operate as a constituent college before eventually attaining independence as a fully-fledged university.
Kachapin expressed optimism that the institution would stimulate economic activity in Kapenguria and surrounding areas by attracting students, creating business opportunities and expanding access to higher education.
Kachapin condemned politicians he accused of planning to cause chaos during the President’s recent visit to the county, saying the incidents had portrayed West Pokot negatively.
He called on political leaders to conduct their activities responsibly and focus on ideas, development and constructive engagement rather than confrontation.
“Let us practise politics in a civilised and objective manner. Politics should be about ideals and progress, not merely words, intimidation or violence that gives our county a bad name,” he said.
He urged the county security team, led by County Commissioner David Saruni, to investigate the death of a Kenyan during the President’s visit and ensure that anyone found culpable was presented before the courts for appropriate legal action.
The governor said accountability was necessary to deter future violence and ensure that political competition did not endanger lives.
He added that all aspirants had the right to campaign for elective positions, but insisted that political mobilization must remain peaceful and should not involve the use of goons to demonstrate influence or popularity.
The celebrations were attended by County Commissioner David Saruni, Deputy Governor Robert Komolle, county executive committee members, chief officers, national government administration officers, security personnel and members of the public.
As West Pokot marked the national day, Kachapin said protecting the county’s natural resources, maintaining peace and accelerating development were essential responsibilities that required cooperation between the national government, county leadership and local communities.
He maintained that the county’s mineral wealth should become a source of sustainable development rather than environmental destruction, insisting that the fight against illegal mining would continue until the required legal and environmental standards were observed.
By Parklea Ivor
