The government through the Ministry of Mining on Wednesday ordered the immediate suspension of mining activities countrywide.
The suspension was announced due to ongoing heavy rainfall which resulted in flooding and landslides in different parts of the country.
While issuing the directive, Mining PS Elijah Mwangi fired a warning to miners cautioning them against contravening the directive.
The PS noted the government was keeping tabs on developments and that appropriate action will be taken against persons found culpable of going against the official government position.
Kenyans were also advised to take precautions as heavy rains often lead to landslides that could lead to people being trapped inside mining areas.
"It is very unfortunate when we lose lives, we need you tomorrow for business purposes," the PS stated.
According to PS Mwangi, miners should cease their operations until the end of the current rainy season and after all the water subsides.
County governments were also urged to utilise their emergency funds for various operations such as relocating displaced persons.
The directive by the government to miners comes even as rains continue to wreak havoc in different parts of the country including Nairobi city.
In an update issued by the Kenya Red Cross Society, as of April 24, several Kenyans were rescued after being stranded in flood waters.
"The rainfall affected numerous areas throughout the city. Other life-saving interventions are ongoing in other parts of the country," Kenya Red Cross noted.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned Kenyans to brace for more rains in the coming days from Thursday through to Friday and the subsequent days.
