Joho Appoints 83 Members to 9 Community Development Agreement Committees

CS Joho Appoints 83 Members to 9 Community Development Agreement Committees

In a bold and strategic move, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has appointed 83 new members to nine Community Development Agreement Committees (CDACs) across the country. These appointments, announced through a gazette notice dated August 1, aim to strengthen community participation in mining deals.

Joho emphasized that this initiative aligns with Regulation 7(1) of the Mining (Community Development Agreement) Regulations.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that… there is established a Community Development Agreement Committee,” part of the official notice read.

Kilifi Leads the Way

The Jaribuni Community in Kauma Sub-county, Kilifi County, was the first to benefit. Their committee with Victoria Engineering Company Limited comprises 14 members, including Omar Said Omar, Agnes Wangari Wachira, and Peter Shehe.

But that’s not all.

These three individuals were also selected for the second and third committees, between the same community and S.S. Mehta & Sons Ltd and Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group, respectively.

The fourth partnership again involved Jaribuni, this time with China Civil Engineering Construction Limited, while the fifth was with Shree Sahjanand Vijay Enterprise Ltd—each committee including the trio alongside other fresh appointees.

Rabai Sub-County Joins In

Meanwhile, a major milestone was marked in Rabai Sub-county, Kilifi, as the Boyani Community formed its own CDAC with Karsan Ramji & Sons Company Limited. Unlike the Jaribuni-based teams, all 14 members here were new names—among them Vincent Yeri Chengo, Fatuma Mohamed Sarai, and Grace Lwambi.

Joho’s strategy shows consistency.

“Communities must be involved in the decisions that impact their land and livelihoods,” an official in the Ministry stated.

Back to Jaribuni for the Finale

The eighth and ninth committees circled back to Jaribuni, with fresh agreements between the community and Victoria Engineering Company again, as well as Shree Laxmi Concrete Limited.

The appointments, made on July 9, bring the total number of committee members to 83—all selected to ensure that mining operations are guided by fairness, transparency, and community welfare.

“These committees are not symbolic. They’re a step towards resource justice,” said a civil rights advocate from Kilifi.

Voices Rising, Hope Restored

With these committees now operational, the affected communities have a direct seat at the negotiation table. They can now demand development projects, monitor company obligations, and ensure environmental safety.

Indeed, Joho’s latest move could reshape the relationship between local communities and extractive corporations in Kenya.

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CS Joho Appoints 83 Members to 9 Community Development Agreement Committees