Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho, has convened and chaired a high-level consultative meeting to fast-track the reopening of the Hillo Gold Mines in Marsabit County, following a directive by President William Ruto.
The meeting in Nairobi was attended by the leadership of Marsabit County led by the Governor, Mohamed Ali, who was accompanied by Members of Parliament Prof. Guyo Waqo Jaldesa (Moyale), Dido Rasso (Saku), and Wario Adhe (North Horr) and Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute, as well as Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande.
The meeting established a multi-agency team, which was given seven working days, effective from 23 July 2026, to undertake a comprehensive field assessment and advise the Cabinet Secretary on a structured reopening of the Hillo gold mines and the resumption of mining activities in a safe, orderly, and sustainable manner, in strict compliance with the Mining Act, 2016. The CS also directed an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities.
“The team’s mandate includes reconfirming and verifying the demarcated artisanal mining areas, verifying and confirming registered mining co-operatives in readiness for the issuance of artisanal mining permits, and advising on the requisite documentation and regulatory requirements for the issuance of the permits,” CS Joho outlined.
Further, he urged artisanal and small-scale miners to comply fully with the provisions of the Mining Act, 2016, emphasizing that adherence to the law is essential to safeguarding lives, protecting the environment, and promoting responsible mineral resource development.
Joho additionally warned that those found engaging in illegal mining activities or otherwise contravening the law would face appropriate legal action.
Commenting on the mining incident in Lolgorian, Narok County, where five people are feared to have lost their lives following the collapse of a mining tunnel, the CS expressed the government’s condolences to the affected families.
He said the government is following key leads and will ensure that any individuals found to have endangered the lives of others through negligence or unlawful activities are held accountable in accordance with the law.
By Michael Omondi
