Two miners have lost their lives following the collapse of gold mining sites in separate incidents in Siaya and West Pokot Counties, highlighting the growing dangers associated with unregulated mining activities in Kenya.
The latest fatal incident occurred in Kambi Karaya, West Pokot County, on the evening of June 15. A woman was buried in a mining tunnel while attempting to extract gold. Despite a prolonged search and rescue operation involving multi-agency teams, her body was eventually recovered from the debris.
In an earlier incident on June 14, a gold mine collapsed in Akala, Gem, Siaya County. The collapse resulted in the instant death of 24-year-old miner Stephen Owino Wanyumba. He was among several individuals trapped inside the mine. Fortunately, at least five others managed to escape with their lives.
These tragedies add to a growing list of similar disasters occurring at gold mining sites across Kenya. Just a week earlier, on June 7, a mine collapse in Karon village, West Pokot County, claimed four lives and left five others injured. Reports indicated that the miners, unaware of the loosened soil conditions following daytime excavation by heavy machinery, returned to the pit in the early morning hours. The weakened walls caved in, burying several people under the debris.
Mining operations continue across several counties despite numerous safety warnings. The widespread use of heavy equipment to extract gold is a major contributing factor to the collapse of mining tunnels. The machines weaken the structural integrity of the tunnels, increasing the likelihood of fatal accidents.
West Pokot County, rich in gold deposits, remains a hotspot for artisanal mining, drawing in residents seeking livelihood opportunities. However, the lack of proper safety measures and regulation has turned these mining ventures into death traps.
Similar fatal mining accidents have been recorded in other counties such as Kakamega and Vihiga. In Lirhembe village, Ikolomani (Kakamega), and Manyatta village (Vihiga), mine collapses have led to the loss of lives and serious injuries.
In response to the increasing incidents, the government has ordered the suspension of mining activities in various regions. Authorities have directed that all mining operations undergo environmental impact assessments conducted by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). The goal is to develop ecological guidelines that will ensure mining activities are carried out more safely and sustainably in the future.
As investigations and postmortem examinations proceed, these latest incidents serve as a somber reminder of the urgent need to address the risks surrounding informal mining in Kenya.
