Second Multi-stakeholder Dialogue

These three critical stakeholders joined the conversations on the state of mining in the National Parks and the Ranches in the County. Some key discussion highlights:

• Miners in the National Park were issued with mining permits in the 1970s. Since then, no new entrants have been permitted into the National Parks.
• There is a possibility to mine in the National Parks. However, priority will be given to conservation of other natural resources in instances where gemstones are found.
• There is need to resolve the concern where mining permits in the ranches are given out by the government without due consultations or consideration of the ranch owners.
• The ranchers expressed willingness to allow miners into their ranches but only if the rule of law is followed. Ranchers requested for a meeting with the Regional Mines Officer in order to come up with a policy that allows for mining to take place in their ranches. Ranchers also need to be invited to future mining forums held in the County.
• More open forums to discuss land are necessary. (It was later agreed that a special session on land will be held in the next MSDF meeting to be held on the 4th December 2020).
• Key MSDF 2 Outcomes The endorsement of the outcomes of the first MSDF deliberations and outcomes. The motion to endorse the outcomes was moved and seconded by two miners.
• Discussion of missing issues, interventions, timelines, identification of resources needed to achieve MSDF objectives, and stakeholders with interests and/or resources.
• Opening a dialogue on the possibility of miners accessing the National Parks and Ranches if the right structures are put in place.
• Identification of stakeholders that ought to be included in the secretariat, in particular from the Ministry of Lands.
• Reiteration on the need to build strong MSDF management and accountability structures.
• MSDF Secretariat to push for the gazettement of the Artisanal Mining Committee (AMC) by the Government of Kenya (Section 94 of Mining Act 2016).

MSDF Stakeholders Roles and Responsibilities

• To co-create a more responsible and inclusive ASM sector in Taita Taveta County, all mining stakeholders have a role to play. MSDF members discussed and agreed to:
• Actively participate in all discussions aimed at developing a County Sustainable Mining Action Plan.
• Put forward proposals for improving the mining environment, governance, policies and practices.
• Provide material, financial, intellectual and human resources in the implementation of the County Sustainable Mining Action Plan.
• Discuss, approve and abide by the rules, procedures and internal policies of the MSDF.
• Scrutinize the monitoring and evaluation information by the Secretariat.
• Approve the MSDF’s reports and documentation.
• Disseminate information about the Forum’s activities and results.
• Provide feedback to each other and to the secretariat.
• Put strong measures in place for collection, control and management of finances; members expected to be accountable