The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has clarified information circulating about alleged mining activities in the Tsavo East National Park, Taita Taveta County.
In a statement dated August 12, KWS dismissed images circulating on social media, asserting that no mining activities have been carried out in the park.
“KWS wishes to dispel false information circulating on social media regarding alleged mining activities in Tsavo East National Park. We clarify that the images being shared online are not from Tsavo East National Park and that no mining activities are taking place there,” KWS stated.
KWS explained that the images shared on social media are from the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, located on Galana Ranch, which is managed by the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) and is adjacent to Tsavo East National Park.
KWS Explains the Reasons for the Dug Canals
The service emphasized that the images depict the construction of canals to facilitate water flow for irrigation farms, not mining activities as claimed on social media.
“This project, led by the State Department of Irrigation, aims to enhance food security in Kenya through large-scale irrigation and sustainable farming practices. As part of the program, canals are being constructed to facilitate water flow into irrigation farms,” KWS explained.
KWS reaffirmed its commitment to conserving and protecting all national parks and wildlife heritage.
Pressure on Joho to Publicize Mapping of Mineral Deposits
This clarification comes as miners and traders pressure Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Ali Joho to disclose the findings of a multibillion-shilling geophysical survey on Kenya’s mineral deposits.
Kenya Chamber of Mines (KCM) Chairman Patrick Kanyoro stated that the research conducted by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) is crucial for promoting development and investment in the mining sector.
Also Read: Govt Clarifies Process of Obtaining Mining License
“This information has never been shared with the industry and citizens, which not only causes jitters and mistrust in the sector but also deters investments,” Kanyoro said.
As an industry lobby, the Kenya Chamber of Mines, argued that the withheld data would assist major investors in evaluating the potential of their investments in Kenya.
Also Read: Govt’ Shuts Down 3,000 Mining Companies
In 2018, former President Uhuru Kenyatta tasked the NIS with mapping the country’s mineral wealth deposits, amid concerns that a foreign private firm might exploit the sensitive data for its own gain.
“We trust the new CS will find it important to share the information as per the Access to Information Act,” Kanyoro added.
Uhuru initiated the study as part of a plan to attract foreign investors based on the resultant empirical data.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2
