Lodwar, 27th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Turkana County government, through its Department of Energy and Mineral Resources, has stepped in to address a brewing dispute between artisanal miners of Nakepokon village, Kapua in Turkana Central Sub-county and a private investor. 

During a mediation meeting chaired by the Chief Officer for Energy and Mineral Resources, Triza Amoni, representatives from the artisanal miners and the investor discussed the issues leading to the dispute.

Key among these were allegations that the investor had failed to meet corporate social responsibility obligations and had not provided adequate working conditions, including essential services like water and sanitation.

The meeting, attended by Peter Adir – the County Advisor for extractions, highlighted the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the parties.

Following the fruitful deliberations, both sides agreed to develop a tracking matrix to ensure the investor follows through on his commitments.

“Our aim is to create a favorable environment that benefits investors, artisanal miners, and the wider community,” said Amoni, emphasizing the county’s role in fostering cooperation in the mining sector.

To ensure compliance, the county government will conduct periodic inspections and sensitization visits, promoting positive relations between investors and local communities.

“We advocate for this form of conflict resolution as it avoids lengthy legal disputes, which can often have unintended cost implications,” Amoni said.