The government prohibits both unlicensed commercial mining and all artisanal mining operations. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki gave a directive to the Migori County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) on Monday morning following a security review meeting in Migori town. He noted that the directive will guarantee regularized artisanal mining that complies with environmental and public safety standards.

“To ensure regularised artisanal mining that meets public safety and environmental standards, the Government has banned all artisanal mining activities as well as unlicensed commercial mining.” Said Prof. Kindiki.


Two Kenyans died last week at one of these sites in Nyatike, and four more people died two months ago at Sango. It is stated that the small illegal artisanal mining sites in Migori County pose severe risks to public safety and can result in fatalities when mine shafts collapse. 

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As a result, he praised the CSIC for making good strides in the ongoing nationwide enforcement campaign against illegal drugs, alcohol, and psychotropic substances. 

The CS reported that as of right now, 3000 rolls of marijuana have been found, 106 suspects have been detained and charged, and 378 raids on illegal alcohol have been carried out. Five agro vets and seven pharmacists have also closed.