AFRICA kicked off on a reform agenda to transform mining to be more inclusive , modern , ensure the sector attracts responsible investors and to legitimize artisanal and small-scale miners while having community ( Kenyans ) benefits taken care of .
WHAT IS THE ROLE AND THE VISION OF THE MINISTRY IN TODAY ’ S INDUSTRY ? The goal of the ministry is to transform mining to become a key contributor to the economic growth and transformation of the country . The aim is to see growth and GDP in the mining sector hit double digits . We see Kenya as a hub for mineral trading and value addition for east and central Africa , leading in technical expertise , logistics , funding for mineral projects and services . We have plans to consolidate leadership through the set-up of a regional mineral and metals exchange .
To achieve this , the ministry is tasked to promote Kenya as a minerals hub for players across the board by carrying out the right reforms and creating an environment that ensures that mining investments thrive based on a win-win formula , i . e . for the investor , national government , county government and the communities . The ministry is making deliberate efforts in the spirit of inclusivity to Kenyans who have been excluded from the mining eco-system to now be a part of it . In addition , efforts are being made to attract large-scale mining in the country to bring in investment , technology transfer , technical expertise and highly specialised jobs and opportunities .
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE CHANGING FACE OF KENYA ’ S MINING INDUSTRY ? As a country Kenya is proud to state that in the first year of its reform , efforts to create a robust mining climate have started to bear fruit . According to the global mining investment attractiveness index by the Fraser institute , Kenya has jumped 16 places up to position 86 in 2016 from position 102 in 2015 in a global mining attractiveness survey .
Today , Kenyans are more aware of the opportunities in the mining sector ( especially artisanal miners ) that are
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