CS Joho Confirms Ksh680 Billion Gold Find in Kakamega, Promises Fair Revenue Sharing
Kenya has officially confirmed one of its largest ever gold discoveries after Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho announced that deposits worth roughly Ksh680 billion have been found in Kakamega County.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Thursday, November 13, Joho stated that the reports were accurate and suggested that the true value of the find could be even higher.
“Yes, the discovery is true, and we are talking about a potential value of around Ksh680 billion — though the actual figure may exceed that,” he said.
The revelation comes after years of exploration in the Lirhanda Corridor, a 1,200-kilometre mineral belt that stretches through Kakamega and Vihiga counties. The discovery, led by a British firm, marks a significant breakthrough in Kenya’s underdeveloped mining sector.
According to Joho, the foreign company has already pinpointed the exact site and is preparing to begin mining operations. The firm has reportedly committed Ksh26.8 billion to develop both the mine and a processing plant — a project that could make the Lirhanda venture Kenya’s first-ever large-scale underground gold mining operation.
“The company has presented its mining proposal to the government and expressed its readiness to invest over Ksh26 billion in developing the mine and processing facilities,” Joho confirmed. “This will not only unlock Kenya’s mineral potential but also position us competitively in the regional mining industry.”
Revenue-Sharing and Local Benefits
Joho outlined a comprehensive revenue-sharing framework designed to ensure equitable distribution of the proceeds. Under the model, revenues will flow through levies, royalties, and taxes shared between the national government, county government, and the local community.
“Three per cent of the gross value will be paid as royalties, five per cent as an export levy, and one per cent will go directly to the host community,” the CS said. “In addition, the government will receive a 10 per cent free-carrying interest in the project.”
Beyond the financial gains, Joho emphasized that the local population would benefit from employment opportunities, skills transfer, and increased economic activity driven by the investment.
Why a Foreign Firm Was Chosen
Addressing concerns over the involvement of a British company, Joho explained that the scale and depth of the gold deposits required advanced technology and expertise that were not yet available in Kenya.
“The gold is located over a kilometre beneath the earth’s surface. Surely, you and I as ordinary Kenyans do not have the capacity to mine at that depth,” he remarked. “This kind of extraction demands sophisticated technology and technical knowledge, which we currently lack.”
The CS further acknowledged that Kenya’s mining sector had lagged behind its regional peers for years, noting that foreign partnerships were crucial for the country to fully realize its resource potential.
Protection for Artisanal Miners and Local Residents
Joho was keen to reassure residents that artisanal miners would not be sidelined by the new industrial operation. Instead, he said, their own mining zones would be formally marked to safeguard their livelihoods.
“Artisanal miners will continue to operate in designated areas. They are an important part of our mining ecosystem and will not be displaced,” he stated.
He also sought to allay fears over possible evictions or land grabs, asserting that any displacement would follow due process and that affected residents would receive fair compensation.
“We will ensure that any resettlement is handled transparently and lawfully, with adequate compensation to everyone affected,” Joho assured.
A New Era for Kenya’s Mining Sector
The announcement signals a major turning point for Kenya’s resource sector, which has long struggled to attract large-scale investment despite its vast mineral potential. Analysts have said the Kakamega discovery could ignite fresh interest from international mining firms and significantly boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings once production begins.
As Joho summed up:
“This discovery is not just about gold; it’s about unlocking Kenya’s mining future. Our people must benefit, and Kenya must rise as a mining nation.”
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CS Joho Confirms Ksh680 Billion Gold Find in Kakamega, Promises Fair Revenue Sharing