Turkana: The Turkana County Department of Mining has initiated a distribution exercise to equip artisanal miners with modern tools and gear aimed at enhancing their mining activities. The initiative targets 10 registered cooperatives, groups, and individual miners, providing them with 450 metallic pans, 17 generators, eight demolition hammers, 120 headlamp torches, and 5,000-litre water tanks.

According to Kenya News Agency, the distribution was led by Dr. Anthony Apalia, County Executive Committee Member for Natural Resources, Mining, Energy, and Climate Change, who issued the first batch of tools at the department’s headquarters. Dr. Apalia noted that this intervention is part of the County Government’s broader efforts to formalize and support the artisanal mining sector. He emphasized that equipping miners with proper tools will not only improve productivity but also ensure safety and better environmental practices.

Chief Officer for Mining, Triza Amoni, reiterated that the support aligns with the county’s commitment to economically empower local communities. She highlighted that the new equipment reflects the resolve to make artisanal mining more efficient and sustainable while reducing the burden on miners who often rely on crude tools.

Mary Lokwale, a miner from Lolupe and one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude for the support. She stated that the generator and headlamp would greatly improve working conditions, especially during early morning mining hours, making miners feel seen and supported by the government.

The handover ceremony was attended by Director of Mining Merimug Eloto Nickson, Deputy Director of Mining Elim Areman, Mining Officer Niclam Eregae, and officials from the national Government Administration.