The Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Joho, has called for an increase in mining and maritime-related courses in higher education.
Speaking during a meeting with the Mining Engineers Society of Kenya (MESK) on Wednesday, July 10, the CS assured that introducing the courses in higher education institutions will equip graduates with the relevant skills and knowledge demanded by industries related to mining, thereby increasing their employability.
Very few universities and institutions in Kenya offer mining and maritime-related courses. The University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Taita Taveta University, and Chuka University are some of the few institutions that have dedicated departments focused on mining.
The CS has further encouraged mining and maritime-related companies to prioritize the employment of a more locally sourced labour force, including engineers, geologists, and other mining-related professionals.
"I urge local institutions of higher learning to provide more mining courses. I also encourage mining companies to employ more local labour force, including engineers, geologists, and other mining-related professionals," the CS stated.
The CS also assured that the government will continue partnering with relevant mining agencies to form a multi-agency task force to assist in safety and rescue efforts, a move he has affirmed will ensure that the safety of workers in mining sites is prioritised, and eradicate illegal mining in the country.
"I applaud MESK for their unwavering commitment to advancing safe and sustainable mining practices. Their assurance to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry on enforcement and compliance is equally commendable," Joho said.
"To boost these efforts, I have directed the formation of a multi-agency task force to assist in safety and rescue efforts," he added.
Since his appointment last year as the mining boss, Joho has expressed a strong stance against illegal and unprofessional mining, in a bid to boost the economic profitability of the sector.
Two Months ago, the CS engaged in a consultative meeting with the Ministry of Interior, where they deliberated on the establishment of specialised police units, which will weed out illegal miners in the country, in order to restore dignity in the management of the country's natural resources
The announcement was made after CS Joho held a meeting with Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and top security heads, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, DCI boss Mohamed Amin, and Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat (KPS) and Gilbert Masengeli (APS), on Wednesday, April 16.
"Besides loss of revenue and low investor confidence, unlawful mining also contributes to environmental degradation, resource conflicts, health hazards, child labour, and risks to human safety," Murkomen.
