Gov Okoth Obado and CS Kazungi

The Kenya government plans to carry out an extensive mapping of the entire country to establish positions of all mineral deposits within the country.

According to the mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu, already Sh3billion shillings has been set aside to implement phase 1 of the program scheduled to start in the Western part of the country.

“We are going to start with Migori, Homa bay, Siaya, Kakamega, Busia and in other neigbouring countries where huge deposits of minerals thought to be lying,” he said in Migori today while on a fact finding mission to the local mines.

Mr. Kazungu said his ministry was committed to know the quantity of mineral deposits in each region with a view to working for a good budgetary allocation to support the sector.

Whether large or small –scale mining, all will be treated equally through state support to enable the country improve its economy and increase employment to the young people, the CS said.

Addressing tens of gold miners and villagers when he toured Kopuodho, mines in Kamagamba, Rongo Sub-county, Osiri mine in Nyatike, the CS said the government has passed a new law that recognises artisanal or small-scale mineral prospectors.