Nyamira Governor Orders Kaolin Mining Cessation

By Arnold Ageta
Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has ordered a cessation of all kaolin mining activities in the county due to environmental and health risks.
This action follows non-compliance with the

National Environment Management Authority’s (NEMA) suspension of all quarrying activities at Kiabiraa village in March 2023.
Governor Nyaribo, in Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, directed a temporary cessation of all kaolin mining activities until further notice, allowing the national and county governments to streamline these activities.
He also revoked all previously issued kaolin mining permits, requiring those interested in mining to apply for new permits.

“Persons interested in exploiting kaolin are advised to apply for fresh mining permits upon compliance with the legal requirements spelt out in the Mining Act, 2016, the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999, and all other relevant laws as specified,” Nyaribo directed.

He further directed county government enforcement officers, in collaboration with national government agencies, to enforce the order, which was issued on January 30, 2025.

In March 2023, NEMA inspected the quarry and found that, despite Quick Find Ltd. being licensed, pollution mitigation measures were not in place.

The inspection revealed that unmitigated dust levels posed a major public health concern to neighboring residents.
“The site is not properly fenced, posing a safety risk to road users, especially children from nearby institutions,” stated the suspension letter. “The current nature of quarrying has left gaping pits that, if filled with rainwater, can cause disastrous flooding downstream.”

NEMA, through Director General Mamo B. Mamo, accused Quick Find Ltd. of withholding impact assessment information submitted to NEMA that enabled them to obtain the mining license.

This information, revealed by Nyamira County Government officials in a meeting between NEMA and the county, indicated that the land where quarrying activities are undertaken is in dispute.

“Because of the above serious environmental and health risks posed by your facility to the surrounding community and the contestation of land tenure, the Authority considers that your current operations are contravening Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees everyone a right to a clean and healthy environment,” the suspension letter read.

The Environment Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999, Section 3 (1) states, “Every person in Kenya is entitled to a clean and healthy environment and has a duty to safeguard and enhance the environment.”
“Therefore, the Authority hereby suspends all operations at the aforesaid area until the compliance issues are addressed to the satisfaction of the Authority and the emerging contentious land issues are resolved,” the letter stated.

Despite the suspension, Quick Find Ltd. has continued kaolin activities, usually conducted at night.

Nyamira CEC for Water, Mining, and Natural Resources, John Matiang’i, suspects that the company’s mining activities at Kiabiraa are influenced and protected by some NEMA officials and other national government officers in the Ministry of Mining.

“We have made several visits to the quarry, conducted public participation, and the residents agreed with the county on how mining activities should be done, but the company continues its mining activities illegally,” said Matiang’i.

He further said that the mining has affected Kiabiraa Primary School and Kiabiraa Catholic Church, which held peaceful demonstrations in 2024 to stop the company’s activities.

“If you visit the school, there are cracks all over, and classes are dusty, making learning unconducive for pupils. Their health is at a high risk if this is not stopped as soon as possible,” he warned.

Residents, afraid to speak to the media, also allege that the company is exploiting them in terms of payments for their kaolin mineral.

They told Kisii Press Club, a local media house, that they are paid as little as Ksh10,000 for a tipper truck loaded with the mineral.

The site is characterized by huge depressions, with some rocks dangerously hanging over others, endangering the lives of road users on the Kisii–Nyamira highway.

Recently, a video went viral on social media showing the site collapsing, illustrating the danger to locals.

Nyaribo noted with concern that kaolin is being exploited by unauthorized private individuals in an unstructured manner.

“This has led to undue exploitation of local citizens who own land, loss of job opportunities, loss of revenue to the County Government, and a lack of safety guarantees for the people of Nyamira,” Nyaribo revealed.

The governor outlined requirements for new mining licenses in the county, including formal registration documents and a national mining license.

“For you to qualify for mining licensing and mining permits, you need an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report (ESIA), including, but not limited to, benefits to the community, safety measures, and a land reclamation plan,” he stated.

Other requirements include a NEMA license, the ability to install a weighbridge at quarry access points, and a letter of clearance from the County Department of Environment, Water, Mining, and Natural Resources.

Kaolin is a layered silicate mineral used in ceramics, medicine, coated paper, as a food additive, in toothpaste, as a light-diffusing material in white incandescent light bulbs, and in cosmetics.