PS Mining Elijah Mwangi joined Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, H.E. Hon. Ali Hassan Joho, in a pivotal meeting with stakeholders from Kenya’s cement industry. The engagement, held to discuss ways of enhancing compliance within the sub-sector, gathered officials from major cement manufacturers, including Bamburi, National, and Mombasa Cement, alongside representatives from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Kenya Chambers of Mines (KCM).
The primary focus of the discussions was the need for a collaborative approach between the government and cement manufacturers to boost productivity through streamlined compliance mechanisms. There was a strong emphasis on eradicating illegalities in the sector, with the CS stressing the crucial role cement manufacturers play in Kenya’s mining ecosystem.
In his address, CS Joho expressed concern over the cement industry’s indirect contribution to the illegal mining trade. He pointed out that while manufacturers are significant consumers of gypsum, an essential mineral in cement production, the Ministry of Mining had yet to issue any licenses for gypsum mining operations. The CS warned cement makers against unwittingly fueling illegal mining activities by sourcing raw materials from unauthorized suppliers.
“There will be no compromise on compliance,” said CS Joho, urging manufacturers to procure their raw materials only from licensed miners and to apply for mining licenses if they intend to deal with gypsum. He emphasized the importance of supporting the sub-sector’s growth through adherence to legal frameworks and responsible sourcing.
The CS also urged cement manufacturers to honor their tax obligations, pay royalties promptly, and actively engage with host communities. Additionally, he called for the establishment of Community Development Committee Agreements (CDACs) and for manufacturers to play a leading role in environmental stewardship, contributing to national development.
John Simba, the Chair of Bamburi Cement and head of the delegation, assured the CS and other stakeholders that the cement makers in Kenya would take necessary steps to source minerals from authorized channels.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to use the Kenya Chambers of Mines to foster self-regulation, expedite license applications, and promote environmental sustainability within the industry. Senior officials from the State Department for Mining, led by Secretary Mines Mr. Thomas Mutwiwa, were also present at the engagement.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward ensuring a sustainable, compliant, and productive cement industry in Kenya, which plays a key role in the country’s broader mining and manufacturing sectors.
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