Reflections on Artisanal Mining in Migori

Stakeholders in the mining sector in Migori County will gather on Tuesday 22nd September 2020 to reflect on the sector and strategize the way forward.
During a forum organized by the National Council of Churches of Kenya, stakeholders will review the impact of the project dubbed Madini Yetu Wajibu Yetu (Our Extractives Our Responsibility), which is gearing up for closure after five years of implementation.
Present in the forum will be artisanal miners, Civil Society Organisations, National Government ministries, County Government officials and church leaders.
During the implementation of the Madini Yetu Wajibu Wetu project, NCCK trained and equipped 20,900 miners, and in the process facilitated the formation and strengthening of 13 miners’ groups. Also arising from the project was the establishment and registration of the Migori County Miners Association.
The trainings focused on sensitizing miners on the Mining Act 2016, which empowered them to know and enforce their rights and responsibilities. The NCCK also enhanced their mining skills, trained them on the health risks of using mercury to process the ore, and delved into options for value addition. The project in addition had a focus on women who received trainings on economic empowerment, group leadership, and financial management.