Several miners are feared dead following the collapse of a goldmine in the Kambi Karaya area of West Pokot County. Rescue operations are underway, with multiple emergency teams deployed to the scene as efforts intensify to save those still trapped underground.
The mine collapsed late on Sunday night, trapping an unknown number of artisanal gold prospectors. A woman’s lifeless body has already been recovered from the debris, raising concerns that more fatalities could follow. Authorities have confirmed that coordinated rescue efforts are being carried out by personnel from the police, military, and emergency response units. Teams are working around the clock to retrieve those still trapped beneath the collapsed mine.
The tragedy marks the second fatal goldmine collapse in West Pokot within just over a week. On Saturday, June 7, another mine in the area caved in, claiming the lives of four miners and leaving five others injured. Those miners were reportedly working in the early hours of the morning when the mine gave way. All nine individuals inside the pit at the time of the incident have since been accounted for.
Investigations revealed that the miners had unknowingly weakened the already unstable ground by digging while heavy trucks operated above during the day. The continuous vibrations from the vehicles likely contributed to the soil loosening, eventually causing the mine to collapse.
Authorities have highlighted the dangers posed by unregulated artisanal mining practices. Many of these operations are carried out with rudimentary tools and without adherence to basic safety standards. Picks and hoes are often used at night in poorly reinforced tunnels, putting the lives of miners at constant risk.
Following the recent collapses, officials have taken steps to mitigate further loss of life. At least three mines in the region have been closed as part of an ongoing crackdown on unsafe mining activities. Emphasis is being placed on enforcing existing mining regulations and increasing awareness of safety practices among the local mining community.
Tensions have flared in some areas, with emergency responders facing resistance from residents allegedly stirred up by local leaders. Some officials have criticized these leaders for inciting hostility against police and emergency personnel during rescue efforts. Calls have been made for all leaders to prioritize safety and work collaboratively with the authorities to ensure responsible mining operations.
The series of collapses has prompted renewed scrutiny of artisanal mining in Kenya and the urgent need for reforms to protect the lives of miners. As rescue teams continue to search for survivors, the community remains gripped by uncertainty and grief over the lives lost and those still unaccounted for.
