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Kenya Combats Illegal Mining by Launching Special Police Unit

By Bernard Gitau Kenya has taken steps to fight illegal mining following the establishment of a Mining Police Unit. Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Ali Hassan Joho, has announced that this unit will collaborate with Interpol to recover minerals mined in Kenya and prosecute those involved in illegal trading. He said Kenya is only earning about 1 percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from minerals, hence the need to take action to increase this to more than 10% by 2030. Half of mining in Kenya is artisanal and small-scale that contributed KES 30 billion to the economy in 2023. Legal artisanal is subsistence mining where individuals, groups, or families extract minerals from the earth using their own resources. Kenya’s mineral deposits include Gold, copper, silver, lead, talc, titanium, manganese, zinc, nickel, chromite, pyrite, and rare earth elements. Much of these are mined in Migori, Kakamega, Transmara, Nandi, West Pokot, Taita Taveta, Marsabit, and Isiolo. The CS said Mineral Value Addition Centres have been established nationwide further to enhance the mining industry’s contribution to the economy. These centers include the Voi Gemstone Centre, Kakamega Gold Refinery, Granite Processing Plant in Vihiga, the revival of the Fluorspar factory in Elgeyo Marakwet, and the Kisii Soapstone Value Addition Centre.

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NBA Analyzes Public Feedback on GM Maize Safety in Kenya

By Bernard Gitau The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is in the process of analyzing the feedback it has received from the public about genetically modified maize, commonly known as Bt maize in the Kenyan market for planting by farmers. The National Biosafety Authority is mandated to supervise and control the development, transfer, handling, and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to ensure safety for human and animal health and an adequate level of protection for the environment. While some Kenyan farmers have embraced GM maize seeds as a solution to low yields and persistent pests and diseases, a significant portion of the population remains skeptical about the safety of GMO foods for human consumption. Acting Director Josphat Muchiri has confirmed that the authority has conducted public forums in Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Machakos County, in addition to receiving online submissions from various stakeholders. He also disclosed that they are also consulting with agencies like the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, National Environment Management Authority, public health and independent experts.

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The fallen object is a Rocket Ring-Kenya Space Agency

By Bernard Gitau @benagitau Space Agency has confirmed the fallen object from the skies in Mukuku sub location, Nduluku location, in Makueni County is a rocket ring.  The agency clarified that the object , a metallic ring measured approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighed 500kg.  “The object is a fragment of a space vehicle (rocket),” said the agency.  According to the preliminary assessment, the agency said the object is a separation ring ring from a launch vehicle which is usually designed to to burn up as they re-enter the earth’s atmosphere or fall over unoccupied areas such as the oceans.  “This is an isolated case, which the agency will investigate and address using the established framework under the International Space Law.  The agency after receiving the information rushed to the scene and working alongside a multiagency team and local authorities secured the area and retrieved the debris , which is now under the agency’s custody for further investigation. Locals have called for the owner of the land to be compensated.

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