In a bid to regulate illegal gold and commercial gold mining activities in West Pokot County, National Government has moved with speed to put up measures on safety regulations by ensuring that commercial large scale mines have licenses and small scale artisanal miners join cooperatives to avert mining related deaths.

Addressing the media in Kapenguria, State Department of Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimutai said that the government has put measures in place by sensitizing residents on mining and arresting those going against the Mining Act.

“Mining companies should comply with the Mining Act to avoid facing any problems with either the ministry or the local communities,” he said.

This comes after the Government stopped all illegal gold mining activities in the county following increased deaths, exploitation from investors, environmental degradation and negative impact on education brought about by illegal mining activities.

Public Works Principal Secretary Joel Arumonyang called on the stakeholders and county government to sensitize locals on the mining act.

“This county is rich in minerals and we want the county to realize its economic potential. Our President has put as a flagship agenda in terms of exploiting minerals for economic empowerment,” he said.

He said that the county should understand issues of royalties and formalization for residents to benefit.

“Royalties are a grey area and many don’t understand. The media should help to make people understand and its rights,” he said.

Sigor MP Lochakapong said that there is a need to streamline gold mining licensing issues in the county adding that illiterate and ignorant locals are being exploited by investors.

“Few brokers are using the ignorance of people to cheat to sign documents to get licenses. We need genuine public participation and involvement of locals. We shall say No of licensing without consent from locals. We shall put caution to those who want to steal from our people,” he said.

Senator Julius Murgor faulted a section of County and National Government officials for engaging in corruption without minding the safety of residents. “This has led to many deaths yet they are the ones who permitted,” he said.