Siaya: Siaya leaders are calling on the national government to establish basic safety guidelines to address the increasing number of fatalities at artisanal mining sites. Gem Member of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo and Siaya Governor James Orengo emphasized the urgent need for a national dialogue on effectively managing small-scale mines across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the leaders spoke separately in Gem constituency following the death of three miners at Rera village in Gem Wagai sub-county after a gold mine collapsed on them early Sunday morning. At Sirandu village in North Gem ward, MP Odhiambo stressed the necessity for immediate action from all stakeholders. He stated his intention to engage with the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Ali Hassan Joho, to implement a structured approach to mining, highlighting the importance of preventing further loss of life.
Governor Orengo, speaking at the site of the collapsed mine, called for collaboration between national and county governments, investors, and miners to ensure mining safety. He pointed out that while mining is primarily a national government responsibility, there should be a dialogue on how the sector should be managed. Orengo also mentioned that county governments were not benefiting financially from the minerals extracted in their regions, leaving local miners impoverished.
Governor Orengo pledged that his administration would support the bereaved families by assisting with funeral expenses.