The West Pokot County Government will revoke all illegal mining licenses in the region.
Area Governor Simon Kachapin has warned investors and miners dealing with minerals who illegally acquired mining prospects in the County that it will not be business as usual.
The County boss noted that some investors in North and Central Pokot Sub Counties were given licenses through dubious means without the knowledge of locals and not approved by the County Government.
“Soon we shall revoke those licenses because many miners acquired them illegally.” he said.
West Pokot County is rich in a number of minerals like gold, copper, iron core, Limestone, Ruby, sand and limestone.
Governor Kachapin noted that West Pokot has many untapped resources and it is now time to exploit them.
“West Pokot is a county of hidden treasures. During this third period of devolution we shall exploit the natural resources. We shall cooperate with the National Government and other stakeholders to exploit the minerals,” he said.
Speaking in Kapenguria, Kachapin noted that exploitation of resources will improve the economy of the region.
“All the problems happening along the county borders will come to an end. People will have to be resettled. The President said that we must benefit from the resources we have and we fully support him,” he said.
Seven lands of Kiwawa,Alale ,Marich,Iyoni ,Chepkobhee ,Tamkal and Posilo Ortum which have minerals are said to have been targeted for mining.
.He urged the national government and investors to set up development projects and industries to create job opportunities for locals as well as improve infrastructure in the county.
“We want to change the notion that Pokot is a harsh community because things have changed and our community embraces development,” noted Mr Kachapin.
The county boss assured investors that the region was safe after both county and national government cooperated to end cattle rustling menace.
Hon Kachapin said that according to research the county has not experienced major criminal activities other than the border fighting with the neighboring community but the governor is optimistic that the border dispute at Turkwel will end.
“The county government will push for demarcation of the boundary between Pokot and Turkana counties which have been the main reason for insecurity at the border,” said Mr Kachapin.
