Moyale residents have issued an urgent appeal to the government to reopen the Hillo gold mine, warning that continued closure is driving the community into hunger and deepening economic hardship.
The call came during an engagement forum with the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee, which is conducting a comprehensive review of the situation surrounding the mine.
The Committee, led by Vice Chairperson Hon. (Rtd.) Col. Dido Rasso had earlier undertaken a fact-finding mission at the mine, which has been closed due to long-standing security concerns.
During the inspection, police officers stationed at the site requested an additional security camp and two new police stations to strengthen monitoring and safeguard mining activities.
Despite the security concerns, the Committee noted a broad consensus among local leaders, residents, and officers on the need to reopen the mine, provided that adequate safety and regulatory measures are implemented.
In a charged meeting with the Committee’s delegation, residents expressed deep frustration over the economic downturn caused by the closure.
Representing the six tribes of Moyale, Sakuye, Borana, Gabra, Garre, Burji, and Kona, community leaders said the mine had long served as the region’s primary source of income.
Mr. Abdikadir Waqo called for the licensing of artisanal miners, arguing that many families were now facing hunger.
He also supported the establishment of a police station within the mining area to enhance safety for both miners and the surrounding communities.
Residents further voiced concerns about Rota System Limited, the investor operating in the area, accusing the company of failing to conduct proper public participation.
They stated that the lack of transparency left locals vulnerable and excluded from key decisions that affected their livelihoods.
“We don’t want investors to come and suffocate or inconvenience our artisanal miners. We want honest public participation on this matter,” said one of the elders.
Mr. Rashid, Chairperson of the Marsabit Artisanal Mining Cooperative Union, echoed the call for reopening, saying the mine had the potential to significantly boost household incomes and generate national revenue.
He urged the government to prioritise community welfare and economic opportunity in its decision-making.
Earlier, the Committee held a security briefing with regional officials led by Assistant County Commissioner Jimmy Ochoka.
While he affirmed that police had maintained order at the site, he noted that some residents continued to sneak into the mine illegally, resulting in several tragic incidents.
He emphasised the need for controlled, regulated mining to ensure safety.
Area MP Hon. Prof. Guyo Wako Jaldessa insisted that gold remains a vital natural resource for the region and argued that there were no longer security threats warranting the prolonged closure.
He called for swift government action to restore mining activities under clear regulatory guidelines.
Following its engagements, the Committee recommended that the area MP convene a council of regional elders to sustain dialogue and community cohesion.
It also urged the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Mining to jointly outline the administrative and operational requirements for reopening the mine.
The Committee will compile a detailed report after its field visit to the Hillo gold mines, which will be presented to Parliament for further consideration.