By Bisola Adeyemo
Following the recent collapse of Abimbo gold mining site in Siaya County, government has launched a crackdown on illegal miners in the Nyanza Region to avert more loss.
The Department of Mines and Geology, Nyanza Regional Mining Officer, Ben Bera said illegal mining was rampant in the area, adding that stern action shall be taken to curtail those involved.
He noted that several illegal mines have been closed in Siaya County, adding that a team of mining officers was on the ground to trace more sites operating illegally.
According to him, most of the illegal sites engaged in gold mining, are not licensed and pose a risk to the miners.
“Majority of the sites are not licensed and therefore do not comply with the safety procedures and requirements thus posing a risk to the miners,” he said.
Bera further challenged Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the area to partner with the department and help sensitise the community.
Kenya news agency gathered that a multi-agency team of mining officers, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and other county and national government departments has been constituted to step up surveillance against the vice.
