A gold mine collapse in Kakamega, Kenya, trapped twelve miners, with eight rescued so far. Authorities are urging bystanders to maintain a safe distance to facilitate rescue operations. Despite its growing mining sector, Kenya faces significant safety challenges due to unregulated operations. Past incidents further highlight these dangers, prompting calls for better safety protocols.
On Tuesday, local police reported that a partial collapse of a gold mine in Kakamega, western Kenya, has left twelve miners trapped. The incident occurred late Monday night, and rescue teams have been deployed to locate and assist those trapped. So far, eight miners have been rescued, according to Daniel Makumbu, a police commander in the Kakamega region.
Police confirmed that there were approximately 20 workers present during the collapse, but the precarious nature of the site calls for caution among bystanders. Makumbu emphasized the need for the crowd to keep their distance so that rescue operations can proceed safely and efficiently.
Kenya’s mining sector, although growing in recent years, remains significantly smaller than those of adjacent countries and is often plagued by unregulated operations. A report revealed that the legal small-scale mining sector, driven largely by gold extraction, generated $224 million for the economy in 2022 and provided jobs to around 250,000 individuals. However, poor safety measures continue to endanger miners’ lives.
Previously, in May 2024, an unauthorized gold mine collapse caused by heavy rainfall resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals in the Hillo region near the Ethiopian border. This incident underscores ongoing safety concerns within the informal mining sector in Kenya.
The reported mine collapse in Kakamega highlights the escalating risks faced by artisanal miners operating within Kenya’s small-scale mining sector. This sector, primarily focused on gold, has been growing despite regulatory challenges and a lack of oversight. The country’s mining industry, though contributing significantly to the economy, is often characterized by dangerous working conditions, particularly in informal mines where safety protocols may be nonexistent. Historical incidents, such as past collapses, emphasize the need for improved safety standards and regulatory frameworks to protect miners.
The situation in Kakamega serves as a critical reminder of the dangers associated with unregulated mining in Kenya. With ongoing rescue efforts for the trapped miners, the incident emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and better regulation within the mining sector. As small-scale mining continues to contribute to the local economy, ensuring miner safety and addressing systemic risks must be prioritized.
Original Source: www.deccanchronicle.com
