Sifuna demands transparency on Mrima Hills mining project

Linda Mwananchi Movement party leader Edwin Sifuna has demanded full disclosure of the proposed Mrima Hills mining project in Kwale. Sifuna stated that all mining agreements and contracts should be made public, arguing that communities in mineral-rich areas must know the terms under which investors operate and how benefits will be shared. The project involves extracting niobium and rare earth minerals, used in aerospace, electronics, and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Sifuna questioned what had been agreed between the government and prospective investors, insisting residents have a right to know the proposed arrangements. He raised concerns over land ownership, compensation, and revenue sharing, warning that residents could lose land without adequate compensation. Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho stated that five bidders submitted proposals on October 21, 2026, and the government expects to award the project within two to three weeks.

The mineral deposit is believed to contain tens of billions of dollars’ worth of rare earth minerals and niobium. Sifuna’s concerns follow previous operations in Kwale where Base Titanium operated for over a decade, with Sifuna claiming communities did not receive promised benefits. Two American consortia, a US-linked group, an Australian consortium, and a Kenyan-British joint venture are among the five contenders.

Why it mattersKwale residents are at risk of losing their land and not receiving adequate compensation or promised benefits from the proposed Mrima Hills mining project.

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