Kwale

Governor Achani Assures Mrima Residents: No Mining Without Community Consent

By Feddy Madebe

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has assured residents of Mrima that no mining activities will proceed at Mrima Hills without their explicit consent and comprehensive community consultations.

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The Governor made the commitment on Saturday, January 10, 2026, during a consultative meeting held at Mrima Polytechnic in Lunga Lunga Sub-County, which brought together local leaders and community members to address concerns surrounding the proposed mineral extraction project.

Governor Achani emphasized that her administration would not make unilateral decisions regarding the mining project, stating that the will of the people would guide any actions taken by the county government.

“As your Governor, I cannot make any decision regarding mining on my own without the will of the people,” Achani stated during the engagement.

The Governor called on all leaders, including government officials and traditional kaya elders, to refrain from holding meetings that contradict the wishes of Mrima residents, noting that “Dzombo is home to many people.”

No Active Mining Plans

Governor Achani revealed that there are currently no active plans to proceed with mining operations at Mrima Hills, as the National Government has not yet reached an agreement with local communities.

“I am asking the residents to keep calm, because there are currently no active plans to proceed with the mining until the National Government reaches an agreement with the local communities,” the Governor assured attendees.

The meeting was described as an effort to ensure that no community member would be excluded from discussions and decisions affecting their land and livelihoods.

Structured Consultation Framework

The Governor announced plans to establish a structured consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders. The framework will include representatives from the National Government, Kwale County Government, and affected residents.

“I have also noted that my leadership will provide guidance on plans to initiate structured consultations involving all stakeholders, including the National Government, the County Government, and the affected residents, regarding the Mrima minerals,” Achani stated.

This announcement comes just one day before a separate consultative meeting at the Kenya School of Government in Matuga, which was attended by Cabinet Secretary for Mining Ali Hassan Joho, Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, and various parliamentary representatives. Governor Achani did not attend that meeting but was represented by county officials.

Leadership Present

The Saturday consultation at Mrima Polytechnic was attended by key political and administrative leaders from the affected area.

Present at the meeting were Lunga Lunga Member of Parliament Hon. Mangale Chiforomodo, Dzombo Ward MCA Hon. Douglas Chimako, Pongwe Kikoneni Ward MCA Hon. Omar Mwaduga, Nominated MCA Hon. Eliza Mjeni, and the Lunga Lunga Deputy County Commissioner, alongside other local leaders.

Background Context

The Mrima Hill deposit contains rare earth minerals and niobium, classified as strategic resources due to their applications in modern technology, renewable energy systems, and defense industries.

Governor Achani has previously expressed opposition to the mining project, stating she would not allow operations to proceed without adequate safeguards for local communities and equitable benefit-sharing arrangements.

The Governor’s firm stance on community consultation reflects concerns raised by residents about potential displacement, environmental impacts, and the distribution of economic benefits from mineral extraction.

Kwale County has experience with large-scale mining through the Base Titanium operation, which has been active in the region for over a decade. Lessons from that project have informed community expectations regarding employment, infrastructure development, and revenue sharing from the proposed Mrima Hills mining venture.

The structured consultation process promised by Governor Achani is expected to address key issues including land compensation, employment opportunities for local residents, environmental protection measures, and the allocation of mining revenues between national and county governments.