Kenya’s Mining Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai has announced the strengthening of the legal and regulatory framework and the launch of targeted efforts to formalize the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, as part of six tools designed to combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
It was noted that the six tools include the Regional Certification Mechanism, Harmonization of National Legislations, the Regional Database on Mineral Flows, the Formalization of Artisanal Mining Sector, the Extractive Initiative Transparency Initiative, and the Whistleblowing Mechanism.
According to Kimtai, the six tools against the illegal exploitation of natural resources provide a comprehensive framework for addressing these challenges. He added that “Illegal exploitation of natural resources has long been recognized as a major factor fueling conflicts, undermining governance, and impeding economic growth across the region.”
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Kimtai said that of the six tools against the illegal exploitation of natural resources, so far the regional certification mechanism has been implemented, ensuring transparency, accountability, compliance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, information sharing, capacity building, legal enforcement, technological integration, data verification, resource tracking, conflict resolution, reporting mechanisms, public awareness, government collaboration, private sector involvement, regulatory frameworks, standardized procedures, third-party audits, sustainable practices, and continuous evaluation.
He emphasised that Kenya is eager to take immediate steps toward implementing the Regional Certification Mechanism — a cornerstone among the six tools — as a critical measure to enhance transparency, traceability, and accountability within the country’s mineral sector.
“As a country, we are actively aligning ourselves with the standards and remain firmly committed to developing robust systems for monitoring and tracing mineral flows across the value chain,” he said.
