Dan Kazungu. Photo/the-star.co.ke
Dan Kazungu the mining secretary has appointed a taskforce to establish the legal status, land ownership and management of all quarries in the country.A 15-member team was named by Mr Kazungu named to look into the administration of quarries.The team, which has a one year term, will assess health and safety compliance of all active and inactive quarries, tax conformity, the use of explosives and their impact in and around the sites.Edward Mulewa Mwachinga will chair the teams , and also propose mechanisms for proper administration and management of the sub-sector in accordance with the Mining Act, mechanisms for rehabilitation and utilitisation of inactive quarry sites as well as propose modalities for effective collection of royalties and taxes from the sub sector.The Mining Act requires that royalties from the activity be shared with 70 per cent going to the national government, 20 per cent to counties and 10 per cent to communities where mining operations occur.Members of the team include Raymond Mutiso, Benjamin Kirongo, Nicholas Maina, Kenneth Njuguna Murungi, Margaret Ngatia, Eva Sawe and Ann Tex.Others include Sharon Irungu–Asiyo, Ann Ikenye, Abdirahman Ishmail, Authur Mbatia Kanyajua, Thomas Nzioka Ndola, Martin Tsalwa and Leonard Omullo.Mahat Somane and Faith Pesa will serve as joint secretaries. The announcement is part of reforms brought about by the enactment of the Mining Act 2016. The Mining ministry will foot the taskforce’s bills.