Kakamega Gold Project Sparks Debate as Governor Barasa Warns Leaders to Stop Politicising Mining Plans

Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on political leaders to avoid politicizing gold mining activities in Ikolomani Constituency, saying the project has immense potential to transform the region’s economy. He assured residents that any landowners affected by mining operations will be fully and fairly compensated in accordance with the law.

The governor made the remarks on December 12, 2025, during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations held at the Approved School grounds in Kakamega town. Addressing a large gathering of residents, leaders, and government officials, Barasa urged calm and cooperation, noting that unity is critical if the county is to benefit from the newly confirmed gold deposits.

“Politicizing this important project will only divide us and deny our people the opportunities it brings,” Barasa said. He described the gold deposits as a blessing to Kakamega County, saying the project is expected to create thousands of jobs, increase local revenue through royalties, and support infrastructure development, including roads, schools, and hospitals.

Deputy Governor Ayub Savula echoed the governor’s sentiments, terming the gold discovery a rare opportunity for wealth creation. He emphasized that the mining initiative could significantly improve livelihoods, particularly for the youth, and urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and consultation over confrontation.

Gold mining in Kakamega has a long history dating back to the colonial era. The region experienced a major gold rush in the early 1930s following discoveries in areas such as Rosterman and Ikolomani. This led to the establishment of mining operations like Rosterman Gold Mines, which produced substantial quantities of gold until the 1950s.

Over the decades, artisanal and small-scale mining has continued to thrive, with thousands of local residents relying on gold mining as a primary source of income. Ikolomani has remained a key hub, supporting an estimated 15,000 artisanal miners across Kakamega County.

Renewed interest in the sector emerged in recent years following advanced exploration. In late 2025, British-based Shanta Gold Kenya Limited confirmed significant underground gold deposits in the Isulu-Bushiangala area of Ikolomani. The deposits are valued at approximately KSh 680 billion and are estimated to contain over 1.27 million ounces of high-grade gold, making them among the largest known reserves in Kenya.

The project entails large-scale underground mining, construction of a processing plant, and supporting infrastructure, with an estimated investment of KSh 26 billion. Additional plans include a proposed KSh 5.8 billion gold refinery in partnership with the national government, aimed at enhancing value addition, job creation, and revenue generation for local communities.

However, the announcement has raised concerns among residents and artisanal miners. Public participation forums and protests have revealed fears of displacement, loss of ancestral land, and disruption of traditional livelihoods. Tensions escalated in early December 2025, with clashes reported during demonstrations, prompting calls for deeper engagement and consultation.

In response, Governor Barasa and Deputy Savula have maintained that there will be no forced evictions. They reiterated that compensation will strictly follow legal provisions and may include cash payments, land-for-land exchanges, or leasing arrangements. Under Kenya’s Mining Act, royalties from mining activities are shared at 70 percent for the national government, 20 percent for the county government, and 10 percent for the local community.

County leaders have also advocated for modern mining techniques that minimize surface disruption and allow coexistence with artisanal mining. They have engaged national leaders, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, to ensure transparency and community inclusion in the process.

As Kakamega marks Jamhuri Day with optimism, the gold mining debate highlights the delicate balance between resource exploitation and equitable development. County leaders insist that unity and cooperation will be key to turning the county’s mineral wealth into lasting prosperity for its people.