The Kakamega County Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Shiveye gold mine after three people died when the site collapsed, raising fresh concerns over the safety of small-scale mining operations in the region.
Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who toured the scene on Sunday, said the county and the Ministry of Mining will deploy geologists and safety experts to carry out a comprehensive audit before any decision is made on reopening the mine. He urged residents to stay away from the area, insisting that ongoing activity could trigger another fatal incident.
“No one should return here. This mine is closed until experts assess the soil and determine whether it is safe,” Savula said. He added that the county will support burial preparations for the victims’ families.
The closure comes just three days after tension erupted in Ikolomani, where residents protested Shanta Gold Company’s plans to relocate more than 800 households to pave way for large-scale mining. Police shot dead three people and injured others during the demonstrations, which saw roads barricaded and businesses disrupted as residents attempted to block a public participation forum at Emusali Primary School.
Shanta Gold recently announced the discovery of gold deposits worth an estimated Ksh683 billion in the Isulu and Bushiangala areas. The company has indicated it plans to invest between Ksh22 billion and Ksh27 billion to develop an underground mine and a processing plant, following approvals from the national government.
NEMA officials and the company’s investors had travelled to the area for consultations when the clashes broke out, reflecting growing fears among residents over land loss, displacement and inadequate compensation.
The county government has now urged calm as investigations continue into both the mine collapse and the recent protests.
