Thousands of employees at Base Titanium face uncertainty as the mine in Kwale County prepares to shut down. The mining company, which is set to cease operations in December due to the depletion of mineral resources, recently announced plans for phased staff redundancies. The most significant wave of layoffs is expected at the end of this year, with further reductions slated for March and June of the following year.
However, the employees can now breathe easier following assurances of government support from Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, who reassured the workers that the government is actively working to support those affected. “Our focus is on how we can collectively cushion our brothers and sisters who will lose their jobs after the mine closes, while seeking alternative opportunities for them elsewhere,” Joho said.
The CS emphasized the government’s commitment to its people, promising that those facing redundancy would be supported through various initiatives. Discussions are also underway to explore how the land and infrastructure left behind after the mine’s closure can be repurposed to benefit the local communities.
Joho stressed that the government aims to create sustainable livelihoods for both the local population and those directly impacted by the shutdown. He noted the potential for the area to thrive economically if the land is utilized properly, citing opportunities such as forest development, agriculture, livestock feed production, and tourism-related ventures like hotels.
“There’s tremendous potential in this area. We can develop forests, farms, livestock feed production, utilize dam water for domestic purposes, and even establish hotels to create jobs,” he said.
Joho assured that all stakeholders would have a chance to contribute their views on post-mining land use, though he cautioned against politicizing the Post-Mine Land Use (PMLU) committee, which was established earlier this year under former Mining CS Salim Mvurya. The committee, led by Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, is tasked with overseeing the future use of the land after mining operations cease.
Since the committee’s formation, it has faced criticism from some community members and activists who feel excluded from the process. Joho responded by emphasizing that, while not everyone can be part of the committee, all concerns will be considered.
“I will listen to any concerns about post-closure discussions, but I will not entertain politics on such important matters,” he said.
