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{
"id": 83165,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/83165/?format=api",
"text_counter": 153,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Prof. Kamar",
"speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources",
"speaker": {
"id": 33,
"legal_name": "Margaret Jepkoech Kamar",
"slug": "margaret-kamar"
},
"content": "(a)This country has got potential in mineral resources. Among the minerals that are found in Kenya in significant quantities are soda ash in Lake Magadi, fluospar at Kimwareri in Kerio Valley, and titanium in Kwale, Malindi and Lamu areas. There is also reasonable potential for gold in Kakamega, Vihiga, Migori, Trans Mara, Bondo, Siaya, Pokot, Turkana and Nandi. Coal is found in Mwingi and Mutitu areas, and is a subject of a current investigation by the Ministry of Energy, in conjunction with my Ministry, to establish its viability for exploitation. Iron ore occurs in parts of Taita, Meru, Kitui, Kilifi and Samia Hills, where there are efforts by the Ministry, as well as by private prospecting companies, to undertake its evaluation. Manganese ore occurs in Ganze and Mrima Hills in the Coastal region, where a number of exploration companies have shown interest. Other mineral occurrences include diatomite at Kariandusi near Gilgil, pharmacolite (?) at Kinyigi Hill, gypsum in Elwak in Garissa, Tana River, Kajiado and Turkana areas. Natural carbon dioxide has also been found at Kereita in Kindu and a variety of gemstones are found in Taita, Kwale, Kitui, Mwingi, Kajiado, Isiolo, Pokot, Turkana, and Marshabit areas. I have also outlined as requested, a table showing the quantity and value of the mineral production for the period, 2006 to 2009. In spite of the known mineral deposits currently, Kenya is still largely under explored and there is a possibility of discovering even more minerals through systematic exploration in the country. This constitutes a potential investment area for mineral exploration companies as well as the Ministry. (b) My Ministry encourages mining companies to undertake infrastructural development in their areas of operation as part of corporate social responsibility. Other services that are encouraged include provision of support to schools, health facilities and water, among others. There is evidence that a number of companies do offer a range of corporate responsibility services. There are also employment opportunities, of course, and mining companies are encouraged to employ locals as a priority. Apart from remuneration, such employment opportunities also provide development and technology transfer to the local communities. In addition to this, local communities also engage in small-scale mining activities. That is what we call âthe artisan miningâ especially of gold and gemstones in the areas that I have outlined. These provide alternative sources of livelihood. They also increase business opportunities to the locals in provision of goods and services in the mining areas in terms of provision of other services like food as centres expand. In the new Constitution, however, I would like to stress that Section 69 (1)(a) makes a provision for equitable sharing of accruing benefits. We expect that this will include the benefits to the communities. At the moment, my Ministry is finalizing the Mines and Minerals Bill which will take account of all provisions and in particular the benefits that will go to the communities, what will accrue to Government and what will go to the prospectors. Very soon that Bill will be before this House and I would like to invite Members at this early stage that when the Bill is brought before the House, they read carefully so that they strike a good deal for the communities. The Bill will make provisions for every beneficiary from mining. This is contrary to the old law on mining where all minerals belonged to the Government. (c) I have also outlined in the answer a list of local and foreign prospectors and their areas of operation in Kenya. The list is very long and it is in the document that I have forwarded to the Clerk and to the respondent. We have companies to the tune of 161 that are prospecting in various areas. We also have a list of exclusive prospecting licences which are held by our local investors. We also have a list of special prospecting licences-- -"
}