Sarah Anyango
Nairobi.
Security agencies have arrested 11 suspects — nine foreigners and two locals — in a coordinated crackdown on illegal mining operations in Migori and Siaya counties, signaling a major escalation in the government’s war against unlicensed mineral extraction.
The multi-agency raids, sanctioned by Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho, were jointly executed by the Mining Police Unit and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In Siaya County, officers arrested two foreign nationals in the Yamo-Oloko area of Bondo Sub-County while they were allegedly engaged in unauthorized mining. The team seized three sealed cartons of gelignite explosives weighing 25 kilograms each, along with 72 explosive charges and 137 shock tubes. The suspects are expected to appear in court for the first mention of their case on December 22.
In a separate operation in Migori County, seven foreigners and two Kenyan nationals were apprehended at Awovinar Property Ltd for operating without valid mining licenses — a direct violation of Section 202(1) of the Mining Act (Cap 306). The seven foreign suspects have since been deported, while the two locals were released on bond pending trial.
Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai hailed the arrests as a decisive step in cleaning up the sector.
“The gloves are off. We’re taking firm action against illegal mining, and we won’t stop until the law is upheld,” Kimtai said.
“No individual or organization is above the law. Anyone found engaging in illicit mining will face the full force of justice,” he added.
Kimtai emphasized that while mining remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economic growth, all operations must comply with licensing and environmental regulations. To tighten oversight, he announced the deployment of County Mining Officers nationwide to monitor activities and enforce compliance.
Illegal mining has long plagued Kenya’s mineral-rich regions, fueling environmental degradation, insecurity, and loss of government revenue.
Authorities did not reveal the nationalities of the foreign suspects or the estimated value of the confiscated explosives. However, officials said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are part of wider transnational networks involved in illicit mining.