CS Joho Highlights the Importance of Mineral Value Addition as Kakamega Gold Refinery Project Advances

Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho emphasized the critical role of value addition in Kenya’s mineral sector, stating that enhancing the value of mineral resources is essential to creating job opportunities for the nation’s youth and preventing the loss of economic benefits through the exportation of raw materials.

Speaking after receiving a progress review report from H-NUO, the investment company responsible for constructing the Kakamega Gold Refinery, CS Joho expressed confidence in the timely completion of the project.

The refinery, which is a joint venture between the national government and H-NUO, is set to be completed within 12 months starting from August 2024.

“I welcome the investor’s assurance that the refinery’s construction will be completed on schedule.

Once operational, this project will significantly boost in-country mineral value addition and deliver substantial socio-economic benefits to the communities in western Kenya,” said CS Joho.

He also called for a strong collaborative effort between the investor, local leaders, and the community to ensure the success of the refinery.

The Ministry of Mining, he assured, is committed to providing the necessary support for the timely completion and operationalization of the project.

The meeting, which underscored the importance of the Kakamega Gold Refinery in the national agenda, was attended by Ikolomani MP Hon. Bernard Shinali, Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Gicheru Mwangi, and Mining Secretary Thomas Mutwiwa, along with other senior officials from the State Department.