By Dorothy Musyoka
In a bid to enhance value addition to Kenya’s mineral resources and create job opportunities for young people, the Ministry of Mining is spearheading efforts to establish a gold refinery in Kakamega.
In a progress review meeting which was held with representatives from H-NUO, an investment company involved in constructing the Kakamega Gold Refinery, the company assured that the refinery’s construction would be completed within the stipulated 12 months, starting this August.
The Ministry expressed its full support for the refinery project, a joint venture between the national government and H-NUO investment company.
“I welcome the investor’s assurance that the refinery’s construction project will be completed within the set 12-months beginning this August and I am confident that once complete, the project will promote in-country mineral value addition and attendant socio-economic benefits to our communities in the western part of our country,” stated CS Joho.
According to the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho,the refinery will not only process gold locally but also provide direct and indirect employment opportunities, driving economic growth in the region.
The project is a significant step towards in-country mineral value addition and promises to bring substantial socio-economic benefits to the communities in the western part of the country
“Value addition on our mineral resources is key to ensuring that we don’t deny our young people jobs through the exportation of raw materials,” he noted.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, the Ministry encouraged a strong partnership between the investor, local leaders, and the community to ensure the project’s successful and timely completion.
“I further encourage a close working relationship between the investor, local leaders and the community while at the same time give my undertaking that as a ministry we will give this project, which is a joint venture between the national Government and H-NUO investment company, all the support required to ensure timely completion and operationalisation,” added the mining CS.
“I am confident that once complete, this project will promote in-country mineral value addition and bring numerous socio-economic benefits to our communities in western Kenya,” said the Ministry representative.
Ikolomani MP Hon. Bernard Shinali, Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Mining Secretary Thomas Mutwiwa, and other senior officials from the State Department were present at the meeting.
They reiterated their commitment to providing all necessary support to ensure the project’s timely operationalization.
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision to maximize the potential of Kenya’s mineral resources by enhancing value addition processes.