Lolupe – April 8, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Government, through the Department of Mining, held a community engagement forum with artisanal miners and stakeholders from Naduat, Lolupe, and Makutano of Nakalale Ward, Turkana North Sub-county.
The forum aimed to gather community views on Gazette Notice No. 3874 dated March 28, 2025, which announces the issuance of a mining license to AHG Metals Kenya Limited. The company is seeking a license to conduct mineral mapping and mining operations in Lolupe, Naduat, and Makutano.
The engagement meetings, held at the Lolupe and Naduat mining sites, brought together local miners, community elders, and representatives from the County Government. The goal was to provide a platform for the community to raise concerns and offer feedback on the proposed licensing of the mining company.
Speaking during the engagement, Chief Officer for Mining, Triza Arus Amoni, reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to public participation.
“We are here to listen and ensure that your voices are considered in the licensing process. No mining project will proceed without the informed consent and involvement of the local communities,” said Chief Amoni.
She further emphasized the County’s commitment to responsible mining practices that benefit local communities while preserving the environment and livelihoods.
Community leaders underscored the importance of transparency and urged both the County Government and AHG Metals Kenya Ltd to prioritize community interests.
During the forum, concerns raised by artisanal miners and residents centered on public participation, land rights and tenure security, compensation and benefit sharing, environmental protection, displacement, and the potential loss of grazing lands.
Speaking on behalf of the Lolupe community, Akuleu Joshua said, “We have worked on this land for years. We welcome development—but not at the expense of our rights and livelihoods.”
Emmanuel Anam, an artisanal miner from Naduat, stressed that AHG Metals should respect the community’s voice, protect the environment, and ensure that locals benefit directly from the company’s operations in the area.
Officers from both the national and county administrations were also in attendance.
