Gold miners in Kaudha Village, located in the Akala area of Siaya County, are growing increasingly anxious as they await a long delayed response from Shanta Gold Limited.
The company’s experts visited the site last year to conduct an inspection of artisanal mining activities, but since then, no official communication has been issued to the community.
The silence has left hundreds of miners uncertain about their future and the possibility of formalizing gold extraction in the region.
Local miners, led by Melvin Omollo and Quinter Achieng Ochieng, say the delay has stalled their plans to begin structured mining operations.
“We are still waiting for answers from Shanta Gold. Without their feedback, we cannot move forward with proper mining operations,” said Omollo, emphasizing the frustration felt by the community.
Ochieng added, “We do not have gloves, helmets, or even proper work clothes. This makes our work very dangerous, yet we have no alternative source of income.”
Kaudha village is home to hundreds of artisanal miners, with women forming a significant portion of the workforce. Many of them rely on gold mining as their primary source of livelihood, despite the risks associated with inadequate equipment and lack of protective gear.
The miners argue that timely communication from Shanta Gold would not only pave the way for safer and more organized mining but also help address the pressing challenges they face daily.
In response to the concerns, Shanta Gold Limited’s Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Manager, Washiningtone Ogutu, told Radio47 that the process is scientific and requires patience.
“It is a scientific process which takes time, and the miners will get the results when ready. Each stage must be completed carefully,” Ogutu explained.
He assured the community that the company is committed to transparency and safety. “All shall be well. We want to ensure the results are accurate and beneficial to the people,” he added.
The community’s concerns extend beyond equipment shortages. Residents fear that without formal recognition and guidance from Shanta Gold, they may continue to operate in unsafe conditions, exposing themselves to health hazards and potential exploitation.
Local leaders have urged the company to engage openly with the miners to avoid further tension and uncertainty. They argue that structured mining could bring economic benefits to the region, including job creation and improved safety standards.
For now, the miners remain hopeful that Shanta Gold will soon provide clarity. The company’s response is seen as critical to unlocking the potential of gold mining in Kaudha, ensuring that residents can pursue their work under safer and more regulated conditions.
Until then, the community continues to wait, balancing hope with growing frustration.
