Kenya’s mining industry has urged the government to accelerate the issuance of mining licences, deepen regulatory reforms and promote investment in modern technology, warning that continued delays risk driving investors to neighbouring countries and slowing the country’s ambitions of becoming a regional mining powerhouse.
The concerns were raised during the 10th Minexpo Kenya in Nairobi, East Africa’s leading international mining exhibition, where local and international firms showcased innovations in mineral extraction, earthmoving equipment and mine safety technologies.
Speaking at the event, Mizztech Equipment Supplies Limited Kenya Country Manager Charles Komen said lengthy licensing delays continue to undermine investor confidence despite Kenya’s vast mineral potential.
“We urge the government to move with speed in issuing mining licences. Many investors have waited for more than three years and are only being issued with short-term mining permits instead of licences,” said Komen.
He warned that investors could increasingly redirect capital to countries such as Tanzania and Uganda, where licensing procedures are viewed as more predictable.
“The government should ensure that everything is properly mapped on the mining cadastre and licences are issued on time. Without certainty, investors will simply choose more favourable jurisdictions,” he said.
Komen also called for stronger collaboration between government, investors and host communities, saying local residents must be actively involved in mining projects to ensure long-term success.
“Communities are the gateway to these mineral resources. If they are left out of decision-making, projects will inevitably face challenges. Sustainable mining begins with engaging the people who live where the resources are found,” he said.
He further challenged mining companies to invest in dependable equipment capable of reducing operational downtime and improving productivity.
“Mining companies should invest in equipment that is reliable, experiences minimal breakdowns and delivers high-quality output with greater production capacity. Reliability reduces downtime and improves operational efficiency,” he added.
Mizztech Sales Engineer Brian Kiprorono said recent government reforms on royalty sharing, local participation and community benefits have boosted investor confidence, prompting the company to expand its presence in Kenya.
“These reforms enable us to plan for the future by investing in warehousing, increasing stock levels and hiring more employees so that we can serve customers more efficiently,” he said.
Kiprorono said the company is positioning itself to support Kenya’s growing critical minerals sector through durable processing equipment, engineering expertise and shorter delivery timelines.
“As an engineering company, we are prepared to provide technical support while ensuring miners have access to robust equipment that minimises downtime and improves productivity,” he said.
The company is also developing smart sensor technology capable of detecting wear and tear in pumps and hydrocyclones before equipment fails, allowing miners to carry out preventive maintenance.
“Our engineers are developing smart sensors for pumps and hydrocyclones that will detect wear and tear before equipment breaks down. This will allow miners to carry out preventive maintenance instead of reacting after failures occur,” Kiprorono said.
In addition, Mizztech plans to establish equipment repair and assembly facilities in Kenya, explore equipment leasing and financing partnerships to improve access to modern machinery, and launch graduate training and scholarship programmes aimed at building local engineering expertise.
He noted that Kenya’s deposits of gold, limestone, feldspar and gypsum, alongside growing interest in rare earth minerals, present significant opportunities for investment, value addition and industrial growth.
Meanwhile, Geomine Consulting Group’s Cyrus Njonde said East Africa is well positioned to benefit from rising global demand for critical minerals such as rare earth elements, uranium and tin.
Komen said Kenya remains an attractive destination for mining investment because of its strategic location, favourable business environment and expanding demand from both artisanal and large-scale miners.
“Our message to customers and partners is simple—we are ready to grow with the industry. We are looking for partnerships that will strengthen mining across Kenya and the wider East African region,” he said.
Industry players said Kenya can unlock its mineral wealth and emerge as one of East Africa’s leading mining destinations if it delivers faster licensing, predictable regulations, stronger community engagement and wider adoption of modern mining technology, paving the way for increased investment, job creation and local value addition.
