Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho on Friday announced various appointments to the County Mining Committees across three counties. However, two of the appointees bagged the same roles in more than two counties at the same time.
In a gazette notice dated Friday, September 13, 2024, the CS announced the appointment of Mourice Amalemba to serve on the Bomet and Nakuru artisanal mining committees while Sylvanus Too was appointed to serve in the same committees for Bomet, Nakuru, and Nandi.
The appointments, however, raised questions, especially regarding whether the appointees will be able to execute their functions effectively and deliver within the specific requirements.
Mining CS Nominee Hassan Joho arrives in Parliament for vetting on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Photo
Alinur Mohammed
The other concern was whether the CS could not equally appoint other Kenyans with the necessary qualifications to take up the roles and avoid duplication.
However, in the appointment of Mourice Amalemba, the notice stipulated that he is to serve under section 94 (2) of the Mining Act under paragraph (b) for both Nakuru and Bomet Counties and that of Sylvanus Too under paragraph (e) for the three counties of Bomet, Nandi, and Nakuru.
The moves do not contravene any of the provisions of the Mining Act because, for the case of Mourice Amalemba, the Act under paragraph (b) states that his responsibility will be acting as the representative of the Director of Mines (National Director), acting as the Secretary to the committee.
On the other hand, the appointment of Sylvanus Too under the Mining Act under paragraph (e) will see him serve as a representative of the inspectorate division of the Ministry of Mining in the three counties.
The two appointees alongside others will serve for a period of three years in the County Artisanal Mining Committees beginning September 13 this year.
The Committee members will advise the Director of Mines in the granting, renewal, or revocation of artisanal mining permits in the counties they are in.
The appointments made by Joho came after he embarked on an extensive tour of the country upon assuming the office to familiarise himself with the industry.
During the tour, the CS was informed that Nandi County miners had issues with their groups wrangling over mining issues.
Mining CS Hassan Joho(right) when he was received by Nandi Governor Stephen Sang in Nandi County on August 21, 2024.
Hassan Joho
