Kenya to curb exports of unprocessed gold and minerals

Kenya has unveiled plans to restrict the export of valuable minerals in their raw form, marking a significant policy shift aimed at increasing government revenue. This move coincides with the construction of a massive gold processing plant, valued at approximately Ksh5.8 billion (US$45 million).

Elijah Mwangi, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Mining, announced that the gold and granite processing plants are set to be completed by mid-next year. Gold, gemstones, and granite will be among the first minerals to undergo value addition before being exported from these facilities.

The gold refining plant, part of a multibillion-shilling agreement between Kenya and a consortium of private investors, will be located in Kakamega. Additionally, a Ksh2.5 billion (US$19.4 million) granite processing plant will be established in Vihiga County.

With these developments, Kenya will join around 10 other African countries that have implemented restrictions or tightened regulations on the export of valuable minerals. Critics of raw commodity exports argue that Africa has faced financial losses due to the processing of these resources occurring outside the continent.