The national government has officially launched in Kwale County Kenya's first-ever Post Mining Land Use and Closure Advisory Report, a major milestone in pursuing responsible mining, environmental rehabilitation, and sustainable development for communities burdened by mining activities.

This report was launched in Kwale by Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, during an event at the Kenya School of Government, held in Matuga. The event had guests such as Principal Secretary for Mining, Harry Kimtai, several senior national and county government officials, representatives from civil society organizations, community leaders, and Base Resources Limited.

Kwale Sets National Standards on Post Mining Land Use

While launching the advisory report, CS Joho termed it as a product of an inclusive and transparent process and very intensive rigorous process, which now provides the country a benchmark on mine closure and post-mining land use. He said that mining is part of the contribution to national revenue; however, mining is a finite activity with obligations attached to the end of its life.

Joho said that the report provides clear standards and direction to ensure mining leaves a positive legacy for communities and the environment alike. He added that the experience from Kwale would be the model to replicate with other mining regions across the country, emphasizing that this is a national blueprint to guide post-mining land use and closure throughout Kenya.

Hassan Joho. Photo /Courtesy

Stakeholder Engagement and Environmental Restoration Featured

Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai acknowledged the innovative breakthrough that would add value through extensive stakeholder engagement and scientific contributions to the final document. "It really carries the aspirations of local communities, experts, government institutions and people in the industry. And therefore, it should be accepted as credible and balanced for the mining industry," he said.

Kimtai added that the development of the report was through deep consultation and several debates and resulted in a consensus. He applauded strong leadership and teamwork within the ministry for ensuring that the report is done and well set for implementation.

New Mining Royalties Framework Announced

It was also a big policy statement in mining royalties, wherein government officials confirmed that there were now in place the regulations that would govern the allocation of the 10 per cent royalty share to communities where the minerals were found during their distribution. This paves the way for the timely release of funds once the regulations are gazetted.

The report was launched in Kwale County by the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho. Photo/Courtesy

Under the present law, 70 per cent of mining royalties accrue to the national government, 20 per cent to county governments, and 10 per cent to local communities. The PS said that once royalties are collected and the thresholds required met, the disbursements will take place without delay and shall be subject to audit by the Office of Auditor General.

It was a first in using the new regulatory framework for Kwale County, furthering its role as a pioneer in responsible mining and post-mining land management. The launch affirms the government's commitment to environmentally sound mining practices, transparency in revenue sharing, and ensuring communities continue to benefit from Kenya's mineral wealth even after mining activities cease.