National Mining Corporation Spearheads New Strategic Mineral Initiatives in Kenya

Posted on : Tuesday , 2nd September 2025

Kenya's mining sector has enormous, largely untapped potential, particularly for important mineral reserves. The global demand for strategic minerals, which are used to power electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and modern military systems, is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Nations around the world are safeguarding supply channels for these critical commodities, understanding their enormous geopolitical and economic value. These minerals are important to the 21st-century economy, from the batteries that power electric vehicles to the components of advanced electronics, which include key battery minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Kenya's mining sector appears as an important, if mainly undeveloped, frontier. 

Kenya is endowed with significant quantities of these important minerals, making it a potential key player in meeting world demand. To ensure its responsible and beneficial exploitation, Kenya's government built a strong legislative and institutional framework, with the National Mining Corporation (NMC) at the forefront of these efforts. This essay takes a close look at the existing regulatory structure, the NMC's vital function, and the critical considerations for private sector firms looking to invest in Kenya's strategic mineral industry.

The government issued an embargo on the processing and issuing of new mining licences, as well as the renewal of existing ones. This was a smart decision to protect national interests while also facilitating comprehensive reforms in the mining sector. The turning point came in October 2023, when the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs (the Cabinet Secretary) announced the partial lifting of the moratorium on all construction and industrial minerals. In addition, the Cabinet Secretary said that fourteen (14) minerals have been designated as strategic due to their significant economic importance. These strategic minerals can only be explored, mined, processed, marketed, exported, and imported with direct government engagement through the NMC or a partnership with the NMC.

The NMC is solely responsible for overseeing the exploitation of all strategic minerals in Kenya. It has a broad scope that includes reconnaissance, exploring, mining, processing, marketing, and export/import of strategic minerals. The NMC may carry out these actions on its own or in collaboration with any other individual or company. To effectively negotiate Kenya's strategic mineral landscape and establish long-term, profitable operations, private mining companies should take a proactive, integrated approach that prioritises cooperation, compliance, community, and capital structure. Mining key minerals in Kenya represents a substantial opportunity for both national development and private investment. Kenya has huge untapped resources around the country, providing real prospects for skilled investors. 

The lifting of the moratorium and the NMC's active engagement demonstrate the government's commitment to use these critical resources. However, navigating this terrain necessitates a grasp of the changing legislative framework, the NMC's mandated involvement, and the vital requirement for a properly defined and legally defensible procurement process for private sector participation. With the correct approach, Kenya's strategic mineral landscape offers a compelling opportunity for long-term, sustainable investment.