Joho noted challenges in combating illegal mining due to weak enforcement. This situation results in significant tax losses for the government. In a recent meeting with the National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining in Mombasa, he stressed the need for more police to stop mineral smuggling. He highlighted the government’s ban on exporting raw copper ore. Joho stated that minerals must be separated before export, requiring strict supervision. He also urged miners to follow the Mining Regulations 2024 and pay their royalties on time.
He cited a case in Taita-Taveta where a company operated for over ten years without paying any royalties. Such companies must follow the directive.
Mineral export data for 2022/2023 shows a growth of 5.9%, generating $471 million. Revenue from royalties increased from Sh1.6 billion in 2019 to Sh3.7 billion by June 2023. During the meeting, lawmakers raised concerns about reduced budget allocations to the ministry. Committee chairman David Gikaria pointed out the need to address these concerns with the Budget and Appropriations Committee. He questioned why the ministry’s budget dropped from about Sh2 billion to approximately Sh979 million over the past three years.
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