Kwale Residents Call for Inclusion in Mrima Hills Mining Deals

Residents of Lungalunga Sub-County in Kwale County are calling for greater involvement in decisions over the proposed development of the mineral-rich Mrima Hills area.

Community members and civil society organisations say discussions on the planned extraction of critical minerals have progressed without adequate consultation with residents who could be directly affected by the project. Residents say they have received limited information about how mining would be carried out, its potential environmental effects and the possible social impact on nearby communities.

Questions also remain over whether households close to the proposed mining area could be relocated and how affected families would be compensated or supported.

Justus Mweo Mwachupa, a resident, said communities had not been given sufficient information about the project and its potential effects.

“The citizens here have never known the processes that will be used here as well as their impacts on them and the environment around,” he said.

Human rights organisations are calling for meaningful public participation as the government advances discussions with potential investors. Mariam Omar of HUDA said the organisation was working with local communities to improve their understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities associated with the project.

She said residents needed access to detailed information to enable them to engage effectively with government officials, developers and other stakeholders.

Land ownership is another concern raised by advocacy groups. Haki Madini Kenya says unresolved land tenure issues could complicate future compensation and ownership claims.

In some parts of the area, land is held as inherited property but succession processes have not been completed. This could make it more difficult to establish ownership and determine who would be entitled to compensation if mining activities proceed.

The concerns come as Kenya seeks to expand its role in the global critical minerals industry. The minerals are increasingly important for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and electronics.

Mrima Hills has become a key part of those efforts after geological surveys identified significant niobium deposits. Kenya also has deposits of minerals including cobalt, copper and nickel.

The government has stepped up efforts to attract international investment in the site, with companies from the United States, Australia and China reportedly showing interest in its development. Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has also said Kenya and the United States are in advanced discussions over a wider critical minerals partnership.