CS Joho Pledges Public Participation, Transparency for Ikolomani Gold Project
Local News Updated: 10 December 2025 15:20 EAT
The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, has committed to actively involving the public and ensuring full transparency in resolving the conflict surrounding the proposed gold mining project in the Ikolomani area of Kakamega County.
This pledge followed a "productive consultative meeting" held on Tuesday with the Kakamega County leadership, led by Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa.
CS Joho stressed the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement and adhering to the constitutional and legal requirements for inclusivity and public participation.
Speaking after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the County government, he specifically assured residents that their concerns would be prioritized, especially concerning the crucial issue of compensation related to the mining activities.
Both the Ministry and the County leadership agreed on the necessity of adopting a structured and transparent approach.
This strategy is intended to ensure the project protects the interests of all stakeholders and achieves a "genuinely win-win outcome," thus de-escalating the tension that arose over the planned gold extraction in the region.
The high-level meeting saw the attendance of key regional leaders, including Ikolomani MP Hon. Bernard Shinali, Kakamega County Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. James Namatsi, Idakho Central MCA Hon. Archeadious Liyai, and Mr. Patrick Ligami, Chairperson of the Kakamega Artisanal Mining Committee.
CS Joho was accompanied by senior Ministry officials, led by Principal Secretary for Mining, Harry Kimtai.
Tags: Ali Hassan Joho Fernandez Barasa Kakamega County Editor's Pick
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