Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai delivered an impactful presentation today during the public hearings on the Financial Year 2026/27 Budget and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) at KICC, serving as the sector chair for Environmental Protection, Water, and Natural Resources.
In his review of sector performance covering FY 2022/2023 to 2024/2025, PS Kimtai noted that the State Department for Mining has facilitated significant industry activity, resulting in the issuance of 7,783 mineral export permits, 472 fireworks permits, and 6,427 commercial explosives licences.
The presentation also underscored extensive regulatory oversight, with the State Department conducting inspections of 85 exploration operations, 224 mining operations, 160 mineral dealers, 610 commercial explosives operations, and 771 fireworks operations.
Furthermore, the State Department for Mining has enhanced Kenya’s geological knowledge base by exploring 14 industrial minerals and four agro minerals, including copper, coltan, iron, and volcanic massive sulphide. Preliminary assessments of strategic minerals were conducted in seven counties, two joint venture agreements were signed, and four geological site investigations were carried out.
A key milestone during this period was the strengthening of the artisanal mining sector. A total of 8,725 artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) received training on mine safety, health, and environmental stewardship, while 255 operations were formalized into Mining Marketing Cooperatives.
During the event, the PS received several memoranda from the youth, women, and the elderly, highlighting their contributions to the presentation.
