Artisanal and Small Scale Miners in Migori County have welcomed the gazettement of the Migori Artisan Mining Committee (AMC), which is mandated to issue mining licenses.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with mining cooperative Sacco officials, National Chairperson of the Artisan and Small Scaler Miners Association of Kenya (ASMAK) Dan Omondi expressed optimism that the AMC will address challenges in the mining sector.
Omondi highlighted that the gazettement of the committee will promote mining reforms, such as curbing smuggling and illegal mining, and improve inter-governmental collaborations. The AMC members, comprising representatives from various government departments, mining cooperatives, and security agencies, will play a crucial role in advising on the granting, renewing, and revoking of artisanal miners’ permits.
While welcoming the gazettement, Omondi expressed concerns about the proposed County Finance Bill, which aims to introduce new mining bills and levies. He argued that miners are already paying mining levies to the national government and that additional levies would constitute double taxation.
Migori County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Tourism, and Cooperatives Betty Samburu praised the artisanal miners for forming Saccos to champion their collective mining agendas. She emphasized the county government’s commitment to improving the mining sector and generating income for both miners and the government.
Samburu acknowledged the need for all stakeholders to work together to address the challenges faced by miners in the county. She also highlighted the county’s plans to enhance and promote cooperative challenges, including governance and leadership.
The county official praised the gazettement of the Artisan Mining Committee as a step towards organized mining operations and compliance with mining laws. Additionally, she announced that the Department of Cooperatives will ensure miners have access to funds from the county budget to support their mining operations.
