KENYA MINING INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Description

Kenya’s Ministry for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs aims to increase the mining sector’s GDP contribution to 10% by 2030. Following a 2019 moratorium, a nationwide geophysical survey identified 970 mineral occurrences. In October 2023, the government lifted restrictions on industrial and construction minerals while maintaining strict, case-by-case licensing for strategic minerals like lithium and rare earths. Key initiatives include formalizing artisanal miners into cooperatives, establishing regional mineral processing centers, modernizing testing laboratories, and enforcing economic crime penalties against illegal smuggling. Legal reforms are also streamlining royalty-sharing frameworks for local communities.