CS Joho Orders Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Mining
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has ordered a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining in Kenya following a fatal mine collapse in Narok County. The government aims to enforce the Mining Act of 2016 to improve safety standards and hold negligent operators accountable.
Why it matters
The directive highlights the ongoing struggle to regulate artisanal mining sectors in developing nations where safety oversight is often lacking, leading to preventable loss of life.
An image of Cabinet Secretaries in a meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House on June 30, 2026 PCS William Samoei Ruto --> Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has ordered a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities after five people died in a mine collapse in Lolgorian, Narok County.
During a high-level consultative meeting on Thursday, July 23, Joho noted that compliance with regulations would protect lives and support responsible mining activity.
“The Cabinet Secretary also directed an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities. He urged artisanal and small-scale miners to comply fully with the provisions of the Mining Act, 2016, emphasizing that adherence to the law is essential to safeguarding lives, protecting the environment and promoting responsible mineral resource development,” read a statement issued after the meeting.
Additionally, Joho said individuals who violate mining regulations would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
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