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Senate Standing Committee on Mining and Land engaging Land owners in Kakamega County. [Benard Lusigi, Standard]
The Senate has stepped into the growing dispute surrounding the proposed Sh683 billion gold mining project in Ikolomani, Kakamega County, as residents demanded the suspension of the venture until concerns over land rights, compensation and public participation are addressed.
The Senate Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources on Wednesday held a public hearing at Bushiangala Secondary School after receiving a petition from residents opposed to plans by Shanta Gold Kenya Limited to establish an underground gold mine in Isulu-Bushiangala.
The British-based mining company estimates the project contains about 1.27 million ounces of gold valued at approximately Sh683 billion. It says the project requires about 337 acres of privately owned land and is expected to affect nearly 800 households.
