Joho explains how locals will benefit from Ksh680B gold discovery in Kakamega
By Nancy Marende, November 13, 2025Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has assured residents of Ikolomani in Kakamega County that they will directly benefit from the recently discovered gold deposits valued at Ksh680 billion by a British mining company, Shanta Gold Limited.
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Speaking at a local TV station on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Joho said the government is committed to ensuring that local communities are not sidelined, but are instead key stakeholders in the mining venture.
He emphasised that residents will have a say in how the proceeds from the mineral wealth are utilised.
“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 enter into an agreement with the investor.”
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Joho detailed how the benefit-sharing model will work, saying the community will elect representatives who will be formally recognised by the government through gazetting.
Once recognised, they will be allowed to open an official bank account through which their share of the mining proceeds will be deposited.
“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.”
According to Joho, 10% of the royalty proceeds will also be allocated to the local community. This portion, he said, will be used for development projects identified and prioritised by residents themselves.
“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,” he added.
The Cabinet Secretary assured residents that the government will safeguard their rights, particularly those of landowners living around the mining zone.
He stressed that no one would be evicted or disadvantaged without fair compensation and due process.
“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.”
Mining exploration rights
Further, he defended the decision to grant the mining firm exploration rights, adding that the actual value could be higher.
“It is true that gold worth Ksh 680 billion has been discovered in Kakamega, but this is only part of the findings, and the actual value could be much higher,” the CS said.
“Research to explore underground resources and minerals is ongoing across the entire country. This may be the first discovery for which the findings have been announced, and progress has already been made.”