A transformation wave is sweeping through the mineral-rich Hillo belt in Marsabit County as plans to operationalise at least 59 artisanal cooperative societies in the mining sector gain momentum.
This follows the decision by stakeholders to align their operations with the Mining Act of 2016 in a bid to revive, formalise, and secure the county’s vast mineral wealth.
Assistant Commissioner for Cooperatives in charge of Moyale sub-county Meshack Owuor confirmed that the formalisation process is well underway and that a cooperative union to coordinate activities of the newly registered artisanal societies has been established.
Mr Owuor told KNA that the cooperative union aims to harness the potential of over 10,000 members, with renewed focus on artisanal gold extraction in the Hillo mining sites of the Dabel region.
“The cooperative movement is not only helping us organise the miners but is also the key to ensuring compliance with safety, environmental and legal standards,” said Owour.
He added that already 45 cooperatives have received acknowledgement letters and licensing from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and were now awaiting issuance of permits from the Ministry of Mining.
According to Oscar Mwakughu, a superintendent of mines, the Hillo mining belt could generate over Sh2 billion annually if harnessed properly.
Mr Mwakughu noted that the enforcement of the 2016 Mining Act is essential not just for legal compliance but for sustainable development.
He said the formalised cooperatives could enable the creation of over 4,500 direct jobs and thousands of other indirect opportunities in line with the government’s bottom-up transformation agenda (BETA).
“This is in addition to boosting national revenue and ensuring Marsabit contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s Vision 2030 development plan,” he stated.
The Hillo mining region was closed down due to unregulated operations that caused severe environmental degradation, rampant insecurity, and infiltration by illegal foreign miners.
Trees were destroyed, charcoal production soared, and local wildlife, including dik-dik, came under pressure as thousands of miners poached them for meat.
With the new cooperative framework, the government has engaged multiple agencies, including NEMA, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), immigration authorities, county officials, and the National Police Service, to ensure a safer and regulated environment for mining.
Ms Grace Galmo, Marsabit County CECM for Water, Natural Resources, Climate, and Environment, highlighted the importance of capacity building among artisanal miners.
“This process is about more than just compliance. It’s about empowering local miners to operate within a simplified legal framework,” she said.
This, according to the CECM, will ensure environmental conservation and the promotion of an inclusive economic participation.
Over 10,000 acres of land have been earmarked for mining, and efforts are underway to construct water kiosks and health facilities across 13 active mining sites.
A new police station and improved road infrastructure are also part of the county’s development plan.
Among the cooperatives already formalized and awaiting mining permits from the state department for mining are Hillo Artisanal Cooperative Society, Haldagon Mineral Marketing Cooperative Society, Jariya Artisanal Mining Cooperative, and Dabel Artisanal Miners’ Cooperative Society.
According to Mohad Dida, Marsabit’s Chief Officer (CO) for Trade and Cooperatives, the renewed focus on cooperatives will anchor artisanal mining in a sustainable development model that supports small and micro-enterprises and protects local livelihoods.
Mr Dida pointed out that artisanal mining remains a critical livelihood for many residents and that formalizing of the sector through cooperatives could not have come at a better time.
The CO noted that the new development would ensure that mining activities were safer, more profitable, and aligned with the national goals.
He added that mineral deposits in other parts of the county were also being prioritized as efforts were also applied to balance economic growth with preservation of culture and environmental sustainability.
Governor Mohamud Ali’s administration has expressed commitment to supporting local miners while creating room for huge commercial investment as well.
Mr Rashid Karayu, an artisanal miner and the newly elected Chairperson of the Marsabit Artisanal Mining Cooperatives Union, welcomed the changes, saying the fraternity feels recognised and supported.
“We expect to start mining responsibly and profitably now that there are proper structures in place,” he said, adding that exploitation by middlemen would now come to an end.
Mr Karayu said that artisanal miners were exploited by cartels, some of whom were foreigners but expressed optimism that the venture, which was illegally conducted, would now be done in a safe environment that would ensure there was a gain for both the miners and the government.
While gold remains the most sought-after mineral in Marsabit County, the region is also endowed with deposits of mica, beryllium, chromite, and various gemstones—resources that, if tapped wisely, could drive the county into a new era of prosperity.
By Sebastian Miriti
