Ngilu's pledge on
Kitui's mineral wealth
BY GABRIEL NDELEVA
Governor Charity Ngilu today vowed to ensure that Kitui realizes the full benefits of its the vast mineral deposits.
She said those living in areas endowed with minerals will lease out their land to the miners,rather than sell it to miners, so that residents can return to their land when mining is completed.
She said residents will be getting a share of 10% of the mining proceeds as compensation while 30% will go to the County Government and 60% to the Natiinal Government.
Governor Ngilu was speaking during the opening ceremony of a two day conference at Thome wa Akristo in kitui town, which brings together Artisinal miners, community representatives from mineral rich areas of Mui basin, Ngaaie, Kiimu, Twimuma, Mututi Kaliku, Endau Malalani, zombe, Simisi, Athi, Mutomo, kanziko and Mithikwani.
The conference is dubbed Unlocking Mineral Wealth For The Benefit of All Kitui People for Now and The Future, will sensitize the participants on Artisinal mining, Land aquisition and compensation, Benefit revenue sharing, Environmental, Social and Health rights, Business and human rights and Community participation in the mining process.
The Conference is organised by the County Government through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in conjunction with Caritas Kitui, and is attended by officials from Transperency International, Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, Save Lamu, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Action Aid Kenya, Taita Human Rights Network Inuka, Kenya ni Sisi and Haki Madini Kenya.
Governor Ngilu was accompanied by Environment Minister John Makau, Chief officer Ministry of Environment Kioko Kiilu and Head of Manifesto Implimentation Unit Mr. Nene Nzyuko
