British Firm Discovers Ksh 683 Billion Gold Deposits in Kakamega
A British mining company, Shanta Gold Limited, has announced a major discovery of gold deposits in Kakamega County valued at approximately Ksh 683 billion. The firm, through its Kenyan subsidiary, Shanta Gold Kenya Ltd, revealed that the deposits are located in the Isulu and Bushiangala areas of Ikolomani Constituency and could be among the largest recent gold finds in Kenya.
According to an environmental impact assessment report submitted to the National Environment Management Authority, the company plans to develop an underground mine and a processing plant in the area. The report estimates that the deposits contain about 1.27 million ounces of gold with an average grade of 11.4 grams per tonne, giving the project an expected lifespan of about eight years once operational.
Shanta Gold estimates that it will invest between Ksh 22 billion and Ksh 27 billion to set up the mining facilities, including equipment, infrastructure and environmental mitigation measures. The company also noted that the project could provide hundreds of direct and indirect jobs to local residents. However, the proposed mining site will require resettlement of several households, prompting the firm to propose compensation and relocation programs. The environmental agency has invited public participation to allow affected communities and other stakeholders to share their views before issuing approvals.
The government is expected to earn millions in royalties and mineral development levies once production begins, depending on market prices. The discovery has renewed interest in Kakamega’s gold belt, a region long known for artisanal mining and could mark a major step in Kenya’s efforts to expand its mineral sector.