The discovery of gold valued at KSh 680 billion in Kakamega County has sparked a serious debate among Kenyans with legal experts calling for strict adherence to Kenya’s mining laws before the original extraction begins.
The deposits, located in Isulu and Bushiangala within Ikolomani Constituency, were confirmed in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) filed by Shanta Gold Kenya, which has been exploring the region’s western greenstone belt since 2016. The company estimates the area holds 1.3 million ounces of high-grade gold, potentially making it one of Kenya’s largest mining projects.
It is because of this that Prominent human right advocate Yashim Butende has called for heightened transparency, warning that the discovery must not be exploited without full compliance with constitutional principles and the Mining Act 2016. Butende spoke through a statement that he released to the public and captured by the media
“The gold belongs to the people of Kenya, not private interests or local landholders,” Butende said. “Any move to begin extraction must comply fully with the law. No shortcuts, no backdoor deals.”
Butende stressed that Shanta Gold must apply for a large-scale mining licence, undergo rigorous public participation, and secure a NEMA-approved EIA before mining can legally commence. He noted that public participation meetings scheduled for November 2025 were recently cancelled due to concerns that they would not allow free, fair, and inclusive engagement.
The State expects about KSh 801 million in royalties and levies from the project — a figure Butende says raises questions given the multi-billion shilling valuation.
“It is difficult to reconcile a KSh 680 billion valuation with royalties under a billion shillings. These numbers demand transparency. Kenya cannot repeat past mistakes where royalties were set far too low,” he said.
Butende also emphasized that any resettlement must follow the Constitution, the Land Act, and international standards such as Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
“Displacement is not just about moving people; it is a constitutional rights issue. Communities must be fully informed, fairly compensated, and given a real voice,” he added.
The proposed mining site spans 337 acres, affecting an estimated 800 households. Shanta Gold has identified six potential resettlement sites totalling 1,932 acres, offering families a choice between relocation and monetary compensation.
The EIA highlights potential environmental risks, including impacts on the Kakamega Forest and major rivers in the area. Environmentalists warn that without proper mitigation measures, the mining project could have serious ecological consequences.
The discovery has underscored the need for careful balancing between economic gains, community welfare, and environmental protection as Kenya navigates one of its most significant gold finds in decades.