that it will set the path for skilled mining for local miners who have been dying in tunnels due to their incompetence in advanced mining techniques. According to data issued by the Ministry, at least two gold miners die every month in the counties of Kakamega and Vihiga, in Western Kenya. These numbers do not include deaths that are not reported among those who work without permission, since they fear authorities might shut down their mines. However, these circumstances have not deterred thousands of artisanal miners from returning to the pits with spotlight perched on their foreheads, using a rope to swing into tunnels that are sometimes as deep as 200 feet.
According to Governor Oparanya, the upcoming refinery will offer a genuine return for small-scale miners for their sweat and will also generate employment opportunities to hundreds of youth in the region. “The national government has identified an investor who will put up a large mining factory here at Ikolomani. This will offer employment opportunities to the youth. The artisan miners will also learn modern skills from the established miners who are coming,” he said.
Once commissioned by President Kenyatta, the construction of the refinery will commence immediately and will be completed in one and a half years.
