Residents of Lokaburu in Turkana South have called for meaningful community engagement, improved social amenities and greater transparency as Wilken Energy Limited seeks community consent for proposed mineral prospecting activities in the area.
The public sensitization meeting brought together county and national government officials, artisanal miners, community leaders, investors and residents to discuss the proposed exploration and the potential economic opportunities associated with the mining sector.
Chairperson of the Artisanal Mining Committee, Micklam Eregae, encouraged artisanal miners to register cooperatives and formalize their operations, noting that licensed groups would be better placed to benefit from government incentives, institutional support, improved market access and access to modern mining equipment.
“The formalization of artisanal mining through cooperatives will strengthen the sector and enable miners to access support from both the County and National Governments while ensuring responsible resource management,” said Eregae.
Director of Litigation, Legal Audit and Compliance, Ekal Lokuruka, emphasized that mineral prospecting must comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining the necessary licences, environmental approvals and ensuring continuous community engagement.
“Community participation is a legal requirement. Every relevant government department must be informed and involved during investor engagement to ensure the process is lawful, transparent and safeguards community interests,” said Lokuruka.
Wilken Energy Limited representative Pius Ewoton said the company, which operates in the renewable energy and mining sectors, was seeking community consent before commencing prospecting activities.
He assured residents that the company would operate within the law and honour agreements reached with the community.
“We are committed to drilling water where feasible, supporting the formation of community groups and cooperatives, and working closely with residents. Discussions on additional Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives will continue once the company receives the necessary approvals and licences,” said Ewoton.
Residents welcomed the proposed investment but raised concerns they said should be addressed before prospecting begins.
Joseph Ekaru urged the company and government to expand public participation, noting that some residents had not attended the sensitization meeting.
“The consultation process should continue so that everyone understands the project before implementation,” he said.
Leah Nang’iro expressed optimism that responsible mineral development could improve livelihoods.
“Our hope is that the area’s mineral resources will create sustainable opportunities for our families, but the community must remain informed throughout the prospecting process,” she said.
Other residents urged the company to prioritize water access for mining activities, rehabilitate roads, construct a secondary school, implement youth empowerment programmes and create employment opportunities for local people.
Inspector of Mines, Walter Kiptui, from the State Department for Mining, called for closer collaboration among government agencies, investors and local communities. He also encouraged artisanal miners to establish cooperatives and associations to strengthen their bargaining power and maximize future benefits from the sector.
The meeting resolved that community engagement would continue as the investor pursues the statutory licensing process, with stakeholders agreeing that dialogue, transparency and strict adherence to legal procedures will be essential before any prospecting activities commence.
By Peter Gitonga
