Kakamega County officials and national mining authorities have initiated structured talks aimed at addressing community concerns over the recently discovered gold deposits in Ikolomani.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, brought together Cabinet Secretary for Mining Hassan Joho and Governor Fernandes Barasa to discuss the next steps for the project and measures to ensure inclusive stakeholder engagement.
The discussions come after residents in Ikolomani expressed anxiety over potential displacement linked to mining activities. Community protests in recent weeks highlighted fears that local landowners and artisanal miners might be sidelined as the government and private investors explore extraction opportunities.
Cabinet Secretary Joho emphasised that all mining initiatives must comply with constitutional requirements for public participation and transparency.
Speaking after the consultations, he stated that the project would follow a structured approach designed to protect local interests while enabling economic benefits for the county and national government.
The consultative session included Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, Kakamega County Assembly Speaker James Namatsi, MCA Archeadious Liyai of Idakho Central Ward, and Patrick Ligami, chairperson of the Kakamega Artisanal Mining Committee.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Mining, led by Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, also participated to ensure alignment with national regulatory frameworks.
Local leaders stressed the importance of maintaining open communication with residents to prevent misinformation and tension. Governor Barasa noted that any mining operations in the county must safeguard community welfare while adhering to Kenya’s mining laws.
The county has a history of artisanal mining, and officials are working to integrate small-scale miners into the formal processes without disrupting livelihoods.
Joho and the county leadership agreed on a “win-win” model that balances economic development with social safeguards.
The meeting is part of a broader national effort to ensure that resource extraction projects, particularly in Western Kenya, are implemented with accountability and local consent, reflecting lessons from past disputes in mineral-rich areas.
The Ministry of Mining is expected to provide further updates on public engagement sessions and regulatory steps in the coming weeks.
Both state and county officials have committed to monitoring the situation closely to prevent conflicts and ensure that the Ikolomani gold project advances in an orderly and lawful manner.