Kenya races toward goal of electrifying every household

 CHRISTOPHER LIVESAY: Seline Akinyi Mumbe is 49-years old and lived without electricity for her first 48 years, until she finally got power 10 months ago.   So three buildings here, all connected with electricity?   SELINE AKINYI MUMBE: Yea.   CHRISTOPHER LIVESAY: Mumbe lives in Unami, a village 170 miles northwest of Nairobi.   SELINE AKINYI MUMBE: I felt like I was in a different world, because my house was well lit. I knew I was no longer going to.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 12th September 2017

A road map for a sustainable mining industry in Africa

 Many governments in Africa have made major progress over recent years – we now see mining companies working hard to ‘put back’ in to society through skills development and environmental protection policies. The African mining industry has matured.   Kenya’s 2016 mining act, which forms part of its 20-year mining strategy, specifically sets out the country’s aim of attracting up to 20 new mining companies.   The act provides simplified.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

Harmonized policies to underpin mineral resource gains in Africa

 Secretary General of COMESA Sindiso Ngwenya, says, this potential can be sustainably harnessed through establishment of governance structures and leveraging on the existing multinational trade agreements.   Speaking at the Africa Down Under (ADU) conference on mining that is taking place in Perth, Australia 6-8 September 2017, Mr. Ngwenya said sound institutional frameworkswill enable COMESA’s national and sub-national governments to have a say in decisions.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

China, Kenya sign deal to fund Kenya’s airborne mineral survey

 Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu said in a statement released on Wednesday that the National Treasury has signed off a multi-billion-loan agreement with China’s Exim Bank, paving the way for the funding of Kenya’s nationwide airborne geophysical survey.   “The 70 million U.S. dollars project is set to map Kenya’s minerals and natural resources in order to attract more mineral investment into the country among other key benefits,” Kazungu.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

Kenya: Future Starts to Look Up for Titanium Firm As Prices Soar

 Local mineral producer Base Titanium is headed for a good run as ilmenite and rutile witness an upsurge in prices oversees.   The price of ilmenite has soared due to a dip in supply against an upswing in demand on the international market, while demand for zircon has strengthened owing to lower than anticipated global production of the ore. This has led to an increasingly tight market and solid price improvements this year.   "The prices of ilmenite have gone.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

Mining the next economic frontier

 Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu was recently quoted as saying that “mining is the next economic frontier for Kenya, so get on board and be part of the mining boom”.   Following the enactment of the Mining Act 2016, Mr Kazungu has been leading a national and international charm offensive to attract investment in the mining sector, while also advocating the interests of small-scale miners.   One would expect these efforts to be reflected in positive.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

Royalties: Vaaldiam Mining earns millions in royalties from mines years after exiting

 NAIROBI, KENYA: Canadian firm, Vaaldiam Mining Inc, earned a tidy Sh310 million during the year to June 2017 from the Kwale mineral sands project operated by Australian miner —Base Resources. While Vaaldiam might be unknown to many Kenyans, its predecessor Tiomin Resources is familiar to many and particularly to coastal residents. For more than a decade, the firm struggled to move the titanium mines of Kwale to production. Acquired rights Its efforts amounted to nil on.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

Kenya seeks better revenues from quarries

 The move is intended to protect the environment and increase revenue from the quarry sub-sector.   Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu says lack of regulation in the sub-sector has led to degradation of the environment, misuse of revenues meant to be remitted to the national government, investors and the communities.   “Despite the challenges in the sub-sector, there are also numerous opportunities for Kenyans to tap into as Kenya is undergoing.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

Only one gold dealer licensed, says Mining CS

 The Government is cracking down on firms and individuals illegally trading in minerals in efforts to clean up the mining industry. The Mining ministry has said only three firms have been licensed to undertake mineral dealings in the country, meaning that dozens of companies that claim to have dealer’s licences are undertaking the trade illegally. In a public notice issued on Friday, Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu said only Aurical Kenya has been licensed to carry out gold.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

Kenya reconsiders mining laws to address lack of mining growth

 Kenya looks set to review its mining laws as the industry has struggled to grow over the past five years.   After only one year since enacting new legislation, the Kenya government is looking at new ways to attract investment into the lagging mining industry, one that’s seen insignificant growth over the past five years.   Working with the U.K. Department for International Development-funded Extractives Hub, Kenya seeks a revised law that will balance.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

Construction players want adoption of versatile building materials

 National Construction Authority Director Daniel Manduku says the  proposed Building Code Bill awaiting debate in parliament, if passed will allow for a review of construction materials used locally in favor of more cost effective and environmental friendly products.   Kenya’s construction industry is accelerating at a rapid pace and making a substantial contribution to the country’s strong GDP growth figures on the back of major public works projects and.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017

Promoting research in building industry

 The construction industry is a focal point for the economic growth of any country.   According to the Economic Survey 2017 Report, it is estimated that the industry expanded by about 9.2 per cent in 2016 and recorded increased activity in the construction of roads and development of housing.   The expansion reflected an increase in employment in the construction sector from 148,600 jobs in 2015 to 163,000 in 2016.   Both directly and indirectly, the.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 11th September 2017