The national government has reaffirmed its control over the management and regulation of Kenya’s strategic minerals, with tsavorite gemstones emerging as a key focus during a special general meeting of the Kishushe Ranching Cooperative Society Limited held in Kishushe, Taita Taveta County.
Speaking at the meeting, Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai outlined the government’s position on strategic minerals, noting that their classification is intended to safeguard national interests while ensuring that local communities benefit from the exploitation of high-value resources.
The PS clarified that tsavorite, a rare gemstone predominantly found in Taita Taveta County, remains classified as a strategic mineral because of its economic importance to the country, even as discussions continue on whether it should be removed from the list.
Kimtai disclosed that the Ministry of Mining has received a formal proposal seeking the removal of tsavorite from the strategic minerals list and that the matter is currently awaiting direction from President William Ruto.
Pending that decision, he emphasised that mining tsavorite is not illegal and directed security agencies to stop arresting artisanal miners found in possession of the gemstone.
“You are free to deal in tsavorite, but all transactions must go through the Gemstone Centre so that we can account for how much is produced, where it goes and its value,” said Kimtai.
He added that he had formally communicated to the county government, local administration and security agencies, instructing them not to arrest artisanal miners solely for possessing tsavorite.
“It is not a crime to mine tsavorite,” the PS said.
However, Kimtai stressed that all tsavorite trading must be conducted through the government-established Gemstone Centre to ensure traceability, proper valuation and revenue collection.
He explained that the strategic mineral designation is not meant to criminalise local miners but rather to promote accountability, value addition and transparency in a sector that has long been affected by smuggling and undervaluation.
The PS further noted that the government is not opposed to external buyers purchasing gemstones from the region, provided all transactions are conducted transparently through the Gemstone Centre.
According to Kimtai, this approach will enable the state to capture accurate data on exports, curb illegal trade and ensure that both the national government and local communities receive their rightful share of mining revenues.
He also announced that the Ministry of Mining has embarked on a nationwide mapping exercise of artisanal miners following a presidential directive aimed at formalising the sector.
The exercise, which is currently underway in the Western and Nyanza regions, will later be extended to Taita Taveta County.
Its objective is to identify artisanal miners, document their areas of operation and issue licenses to eligible operators.
Kimtai said artisanal miners who have already applied for licenses will receive them within two weeks, urging those operating informally to submit their applications.
He warned that unlicensed mining activities would not be tolerated once the mapping exercise is concluded.
“The President has directed us to identify artisanal miners so that we know where they operate and ensure they are licensed. This will protect them from exploitation and eliminate brokers who benefit from unregulated trade,” he said.
Beyond tsavorite, the PS reiterated the government’s broader strategy on strategic minerals, noting that Kenya must move beyond raw extraction and embrace structured exploitation that benefits host communities.
He observed that although Taita Taveta County is largely semi-arid, it hosts minerals of national significance which, if properly managed, can transform local livelihoods and contribute to national development.
Kimtai also revealed that a presidential directive now allows mining activities within national parks under strict and well-structured guidelines.
He said the Ministry of Mining, in collaboration with the Ministry of Wildlife, is developing a framework to guide such operations while safeguarding conservation objectives.
Once the framework is finalised, the PS said the government will return to affected communities to engage them on how mining activities in protected areas will be conducted without compromising environmental conservation.
By Arnold Linga Masila
