State Department for Mining Partners with NCTC to Enhance Safety and Security in Mining Sector
The State Department for Mining, in collaboration with the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), has embarked on a comprehensive capacity-building initiative aimed at enhancing the safe and responsible use of commercial explosives in Kenya’s mining industry. This initiative targets key actors within the mining sector, including artisanal miners, quarry owners, licensed blasters, transporters, and security officials, all of whom will undergo intensive training on safety standards and the national security implications of accessing, handling, and utilizing explosives.
Explosives and Their Role in the Mining Industry
Commercial explosives are critical to the growth and development of Kenya’s mining sector. They are essential for blasting, breaking, and loosening rocks and cliffs to facilitate the extraction of minerals and ores. Principal Secretary of the State Department for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, emphasized that these explosives play a pivotal role in the success of mining operations across the country.
However, Mwangi stressed that the use of explosives is strictly regulated under the Explosives Act, which sets stringent conditions for the purchase, importation, transportation, sale, usage, and storage of explosives. Despite these controls, the increasing presence of undocumented explosives—especially in illegal mining operations—poses a serious safety and security threat to the sector.
Addressing the Growing Issue of Illegal Explosives
Despite the government’s best efforts to regulate the sector, concerns are rising over the illegal use and smuggling of commercial explosives, particularly among artisanal miners. These unlicensed miners often resort to unauthorized blasting to access minerals, especially in areas with significant gold and gemstone mining activities. Smugglers from neighboring countries are responsible for the illicit entry of explosives into the Kenyan market, making it more difficult to ensure that only trained and certified professionals handle these hazardous materials.
The use of illegal explosives, often in the hands of untrained individuals, has resulted in tragic accidents that endanger both miners and their communities. This poses not only a physical danger but also a significant national security risk. If these explosives fall into the wrong hands, they could be used for criminal activities, including terrorism, putting the safety and stability of the country at risk.
Collaboration for National Security and Safety
Dr. Charles Opiyo, an official from the NCTC, highlighted the dual role that explosives play in both enabling mining operations and posing a potential threat to national security. He emphasized the critical need for cooperation between various stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of safety standards when dealing with explosives in the mining sector.
The capacity-building efforts will focus on informing and educating miners and all relevant actors on the dangers of mishandling explosives, while also reinforcing the national security implications of accessing and using these materials improperly. By working together, these stakeholders can reduce the risk of explosives being used for illegal or malicious purposes.
Tracking and Monitoring Explosives
To further address this issue, the government is stepping up efforts to track and monitor commercial explosives within Kenya. There will be heightened vigilance to ensure that explosives distributed by licensed dealers are properly documented and accounted for. Dr. Opiyo pointed out that smuggled explosives, particularly those that are undocumented, represent a significant risk to national peace and public order.
In response, the NCTC plans to enhance its collaboration with security agencies to improve surveillance along the borders and track the movement of illicit explosives. The authorities are focusing on specific hotspots where illegal explosives trafficking is most prevalent, as well as targeting swift transporters, such as bodaboda riders, who have been identified as key players in transporting smuggled explosives across porous border points.
Unsecured Storage and Its Dangers
Another concern raised during the discussion was the unsafe storage of illegally acquired explosives. It has been reported that some individuals are storing these dangerous materials in unsecured homes, disregarding safety protocols, which could lead to catastrophic consequences. This lack of regard for safety standards only adds to the complexity of managing explosives in Kenya’s mining sector.
Public Awareness and Community Involvement
In addition to the targeted training and capacity-building programs, part of the government’s strategy includes conducting public awareness campaigns to help educate communities about the dangers associated with illegal explosives. These campaigns will also encourage the public to report suspicious activities or the illicit storage and transport of explosives, which will help improve safety standards and ensure that explosives do not fall into the wrong hands.
The Road Ahead
The partnership between the State Department for Mining and the NCTC is crucial in fostering a safer and more secure environment for Kenya’s mining industry. By addressing the illegal use and trafficking of explosives, the government aims to reduce accidents, minimize security risks, and ensure that Kenya’s mining sector thrives in a safe, controlled, and sustainable manner.
Through continued education, monitoring, and collaboration, Kenya is taking a significant step toward better managing its mining resources while safeguarding its citizens from the dangers posed by improper explosive use. As the initiative progresses, it is hoped that the mining sector will be able to strike a balance between enabling growth and maintaining safety and security for all stakeholders involved.
