KWALE County – Jan 10, 2026- Fresh wrangles have emerged between the National Government and the Kwale County Government over proposed mining activities at the mineral-rich Mrima Hill, with county leaders insisting on early stakeholder involvement to safeguard local interests and avoid past mistakes.
Kwale leaders say their demand for early engagement in the Mrima Hill mining project is informed by historical grievances linked to previous mega projects in the county, including Base Titanium and the ongoing Mwache Multipurpose Dam, which they argue left communities disadvantaged.
According to the county government, delays and non-payment of mining royalties from earlier operations eroded trust between local communities and national agencies, despite clear legal provisions on revenue sharing that allocate 70 per cent to the national government, 20 per cent to counties, and 10 per cent to host communities.
“The failures of past projects created a legacy of mistrust. Any new engagement must begin with resolving outstanding issues, including unpaid royalties, to ensure history does not repeat itself,” said Kasemeni Ward MCA Victor Safari Nyanje.
County officials have also raised concerns over inadequate social and environmental safeguards in previous projects, citing delayed compensation for displaced landowners and environmental degradation affecting water sources and agriculture.
They argue that early involvement is critical to developing robust Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) before final project designs are approved.
Kwale’s position is anchored in Kenya’s constitutional and legal framework. Articles 69 and 70 of the Constitution, alongside the Mining Act of 2016, require public participation, community consent, and benefit-sharing. The law further mandates Community Development Agreements as a precondition for issuing mining licenses.
As per the Constitution’s Fourth Schedule, county governments also retain authority over land-use planning, trade licensing, and cultural affairs — roles that county leaders say make them indispensable stakeholders from the outset.
Mrima Hill’s unique status has further complicated the debate. The site is both a gazetted forest reserve and a national monument, and is home to the sacred Kaya Mrima shrine of the Mijikenda community. Laws governing forests and national heritage impose strict protections, making early consultation unavoidable.
“The cultural and spiritual value of Kaya Mrima cannot be captured by standard assessments alone,” Nyanje said, adding that elders and cultural custodians must be involved early to define acceptable mitigation measures, including possible no-go zones.
Kwale leaders have also warned of geopolitical and foreign interests drawn to the rare earth minerals at Mrima Hill, noting that global demand has attracted multinational attention from countries such as the United States, China, and Australia.
Without a unified local voice, they argue, key decisions risk being made at national or international levels that marginalise host communities.
From a project management perspective, the county says early engagement is essential to securing a “social licence to operate,” warning that failure to do so could trigger protests, litigation, and costly delays.
“The county’s early demand sets the right precedent. The task now lies with the Ministry of Mining to establish a structured, transparent, and legally enforceable process that protects community interests,” Nyanje said.
Kwale leaders insist that if handled correctly, the Mrima Hill project could shift from being a potential flashpoint to becoming a national model for sustainable and equitable resource development.
