Mombasa: The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Mining, Harry Kimutai, has urged mining companies to comply with the Mining Act as enshrined in the constitution of Kenya to have a seamless run of mining activities. Speaking during a community social responsibility exercise organised by the Lions Club Mombasa in conjunction with Mombasa Cement at Vyambani in Kilifi County, Kimutai emphasized the importance of community engagement to prevent local resentment.
According to Kenya News Agency, some mining companies have been violating the Mining Act by failing to engage with local communities, which has led to tensions. Kimutai noted, “Mining companies should comply with the Mining Act to avoid facing any problems with either the ministry or the local communities.”
During the event, Kimutai praised the efforts of Lions Club Mombasa and Mombasa Cement for organizing a free eye check-up camp, distributing foodstuffs, and planting trees in the Vyambani area. He encouraged other companies to follow their example in giving back to local communities.
The President of The Lions Club Mombasa, Bhupendra Rathod, highlighted the club’s ongoing efforts to provide free eye check-ups in Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale counties, as well as constructing water pans and boreholes to improve living standards for less fortunate individuals. Rathod stated, “We help less fortunate people in hunger, we do water pans, boreholes, and a lot of charity activities within Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa Counties with the help of other lions like Mombasa Cement and through fundraisings.”
David Abai, a representative from Mombasa Cement Company, reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with local communities by participating in valuable community social responsibility initiatives. “We appreciate the local community for their coordination and we are looking forward to partnering more in future engagements,” he said.
Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott expressed his satisfaction with the free eye check-up initiative, noting the large turnout from local residents. “We are very happy; it is a very rare occasion to partner in assisting local residents with eye problems,” Biwott remarked.
In collaboration with the organizations and local community, the leaders planted 5,000 trees, contributing to the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 to enhance the country’s tree cover.