Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has assured residents of Ikolomani, Kakamega County, that they will directly benefit from the recently discovered gold deposits valued at Ksh680 billion. The deposits were identified by the British firm Shanta Gold Limited, sparking national excitement over the potential economic impact of the find.
Speaking on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Joho explained that the government is determined to make local communities key beneficiaries rather than bystanders in the mining venture. He said residents would have a voice in how proceeds from the mineral wealth are used and that the benefit-sharing framework will ensure fairness and transparency.
“There are two ways this can go: either the landowners lease their land to the company or they negotiate for an outright purchase, as we have seen in other areas. Then there’s the larger community, which will agree with the investor,” Joho said.
How Will Locals Benefit from the Kakamega Gold Discovery?
Joho outlined a benefit-sharing model designed to include the community at every stage. Under the plan, residents will elect representatives who the government will officially recognise through gazetting. These leaders will then open a formal bank account to receive the community’s share of the proceeds directly.
“The community sits down and chooses its leaders; we recognise them officially, then they open a bank account that they manage themselves. From the mine’s gross revenue, 1% will go directly to the community, separate from the royalty, export levy, and the mining development levy,” he stated.
He further explained that 10% of the royalty proceeds will also be allocated to the local community for development projects. “That 10% is completely different from the 1% gross. It goes to the community, and they decide which projects they want to implement in their area,” Joho added.
What Protections Are in Place for Landowners?
The Cabinet Secretary reassured residents that no one would be evicted or disadvantaged without fair compensation. He said the government is committed to protecting landowners around the mining zone through negotiation and transparent agreements.
“There will be negotiations with landowners around the area to ensure they are protected and that they get value for their property. People will not just be displaced. Every step will involve consultation and fair compensation,” he affirmed.
Joho also defended the government’s decision to grant exploration rights to Shanta Gold Limited, noting that the actual value of the discovered deposits might be even higher than initially estimated. “Gold worth Ksh 680 billion has indeed been discovered in Kakamega, but this is only part of the findings, and the actual value could be much higher,” he said.
He concluded by noting that ongoing research across Kenya may uncover even more mineral wealth, marking Kakamega’s discovery as the first of several major finds expected to transform local economies and uplift communities.
By Modester Nasimiyu