Coalition to Empower Communities on Mining in Kenya

The stage is set for a major capacity building exercise that will see communities living in areas with oil and mineral deposits empowered to fully participate in mining processes. The exercise will be undertaken courtesy of a new project that kicks of later this month and spearheaded by “Haki Madini Coalition.”

The project will also see communities sensitized on policy formulation and legislative processes in the mineral sector.

Briefing Jumuia news, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Programs Officer for Governance Peter Achar, said that his team, will also organize a national conference on the extractives sector in the next three months with a view of bringing more players on board. “We intend to tailor this project on the voices of the community despite emerging challenges. Advocacy must be very strategic and well developed,” he pointed out.

He added that Kenya was at crossroads given the experience in neighbouring countries already exploring minerals. “For Kenya to make an impact, success will be pivotal. The voice of the people is not being heard and faith based institutions remain the only hope,” said Achar.

Last week Haki Madini Coalition organized a one-day meeting for community representatives in the coal mining Mui basin as part of initial activities ahead of the commencement of the project. Proposals and budget presentation for the project were tabled during the meeting that was also attended by government officials.

The Haki Madini coalition brings together the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Diakonia Sweden, Groots Kenya and Eco News. Others are  Inuka Kenya NI sisi and  CJPC.