Joho Opens Bid for Extraction of Highly Sought-After Minerals
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Ali Hassan Joho announced the bidding process through a gazette notice published on March 30, inviting qualified firms to apply for mineral rights in Kiritiri, located in Mbeere South, Embu County.
“To commercialise these resources, the Government intends to award the mineral rights over the area through a public tender process in accordance with the Mining Act (Cap. 306) and the Mining (Award of Mineral Rights by Tender) Regulations, 2017,” the gazette notice stated.
The ministry has classified coltan as a strategic mineral, placing it among resources considered vital for national development and economic transformation. Coltan, a key source of tantalum, is widely used in the manufacture of electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles, due to its ability to store and regulate electrical charge efficiently.
Officials say the move is part of a broader policy shift aimed at ensuring Kenya derives maximum value from its natural resources. Rather than exporting raw ore, the government is encouraging investors to establish local processing capabilities to produce higher-value refined materials.
In addition, bidders will be required to submit detailed plans outlining environmental protection measures and community engagement strategies. These include land rehabilitation after mining operations, sustainable water management, and safeguards for communities living within and around the Kiritiri region.
The designated mining area spans approximately 189 square kilometres and has been the site of artisanal mining activities for several years. These small-scale operations have provided early indications of significant coltan deposits beneath the surface, boosting confidence in the site’s commercial viability.
However, the Ministry of Mining acknowledged that preliminary geological studies have not yet established definitive estimates of the mineral reserves in the area.
“The current study was not sufficient to produce figures that would define a resource or a reserve; however, sufficient data exist to support the widespread occurrence of coltan in this area. This is further supported by continuous artisanal mining of coltan that has taken place in this area for a long time,” the ministry noted.
On the global market, coltan remains a highly valuable commodity. Reports by international agencies, including the United Nations, indicate that one kilogram of raw coltan can fetch between Ksh6,300 and Ksh7,800, depending on the concentration of tantalum.
The announcement comes shortly after the ministry unveiled a separate tender for niobium extraction at Mrima Hills in Kwale County, a project projected to generate significant revenue and further position Kenya as a key player in the global minerals market.
As the tender process begins, attention will be on how effectively the government balances economic gains with environmental conservation and community interests in resource-rich regions.
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Joho Opens Bid for Extraction of Highly Sought-After Minerals
