By David Otieno, Kakamega
A proposed large-scale gold mining project in Kakamega County has sparked a bitter dispute over land rights, compensation and community participation, with residents urging the Senate to halt the project until their concerns are addressed.
The Senate Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources held a public hearing in Bushiangala after receiving a petition from residents opposed to plans by Shanta Gold Kenya Limited to develop an underground gold mine in the area.
The British-based mining company estimates the project contains about 1.27 million ounces of gold valued at approximately KSh683 billion and says it requires about 337 acres of privately owned land, a move expected to affect nearly 800 households.
The hearing, held at Bushiangala Secondary School, attracted hundreds of residents, many of whom accused the company of failing to conduct meaningful public participation and obtaining consent through misleading processes.
Committee chair Senator Muhammad Faki said the Senate was seeking first-hand information before preparing recommendations on the petition presented by nominated Senator Catherine Mumma.
“The committee is here to hear directly from the affected residents and establish the facts surrounding the proposed mining project,” Faki said.
Petitioners claimed the company had not disclosed the full Environmental Impact Assessment, including its social, economic and cultural implications, as well as its resettlement plan.
They also cited the collapse of two public participation meetings in late 2025, during which protests turned violent, leaving four people dead.
Residents disputed Shanta Gold’s claim that it had secured consent from more than 1,100 landowners, arguing that much of the land remains under customary ownership and has not been formally transferred to individual title holders.
Some testified that they unknowingly signed documents presented as survey forms, only to later discover they were linked to the mining project.
Others opposed relocating ancestral graves and community institutions, saying no compensation could replace their cultural heritage.
Several residents instead urged the government to support community and artisanal mining by providing equipment and training rather than allowing large-scale investors to take over the resource.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale backed the residents, calling for a 50-50 revenue-sharing agreement between investors and local communities.
“Half should go to those with the technology and half to those who own the land,” Khalwale said.
Shanta Gold acknowledged concerns raised during the hearing and called for dialogue between the company, government and residents. “The project remains an underground mining operation designed to minimise its environmental footprint,”
They explained that surface land would still be required for ore processing facilities, waste rock storage and tailings management.
Principal Secretary for Mining Harry Kimtai told residents that Shanta Gold currently holds a prospecting licence and cannot begin mining until it signs a Community Development Agreement with the affected community.
Kimtai said the Mining Act provides for royalty sharing from gold production, with proceeds distributed between the national government, county government and local community, alongside bens negotiated through the Community Development Agreement.
He also clarified that while landowners own the surface, minerals beneath the ground belong to the State under Kenyan law.
Faki said the committee would compile a report for the Senate and consider legislative proposals to strengthen compensation and community protections in mining projects.
The hearing ended without a resolution, leaving the future of one of Kenya’s largest proposed gold mining projects dependent on the Senate’s recommendations and further negotiations between the government, the company and residents.
