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{
    "id": 1235531,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1235531/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 242,
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    "content": "opportunity to thank the Senate for providing a platform where we can be able to share the details that happen in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime affairs. In regards to the issue of the moratorium, my response would be as follows. (a) In December 2019, the then Ministry of Petroleum and Mining, received a communication from the Head of Public Service communicating a decision by the National Security Council to halt issuance of new mineral rights. The letter intimated that the Council had considered that due to an ongoing national resource mapping exercise, there was need for the Government to halt issuance of new licenses for exploration in mining. The Rationale therefore for the moratorium was to safeguard Kenya’s national interest by developing the right data and eliminate speculation on availability of substantial mineral deposits. The suspension would also allow the Government to complete the mapping exercise without an influx of speculative mining license applications that would have posed a threat to Kenya’s mining sector. The suspension was also informed by the need to address existing geological data gaps that have existed in the past without interference from the private sector players. These gaps have resulted in loses as Government is so reliant on the private sector for provision of detailed geological data on mineral deposits upon application and grant of mineral rights. Further, the moratorium was perceived as a tool to assist Government in better regulating the sector and avoid Kenya falling in the resource scarce trap. (b) Mr. Speaker, Sir and Hon. Members, following the imposition of the moratorium, the Government has had an opportunity and successfully instituted reforms in the management and regulation of the mining sector that has been beneficial to the country. Among the most outstanding reforms, relates to the completion of the nationwide air borne geophysical survey and generation of a preliminary report which shows 970 mineral resource anomalies that require further confirmation. Hon. Members, I confirm that we have this report for geophysical survey, which has shown 970 mineral occurrences across the country. The creation of a new State Department to explore Kenya mineral resources is an affirmation of the Government’s commitment to exploitation and management of its mineral resources. In fact, the Department is a wealth creation department. It is, therefore, anticipated that the new department will better manage the sector sustainably, effectively and for prosperity. Further, within this period, the department originated a Cabinet Memo on mineral processing and value addition which has so far been approved by cabinet. Towards this end, the ministry has a draft mineral processing and value addition policy that will guide the sector towards this once it is concluded. Some of the value addition ventures that we have initiated are operationalisation of the Voi Gemstone Centre in Taita Taveta, initiation of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) fluorspar company in Elgeyo Marakwet, and also, Vihiga Granite Processing factory. There are many others that we are also doing across the country."
}