Edwin Sifuna has called for transparency over the proposed mining project in Kwale.
The Linda Mwananchi Movement leader wants public contracts and answers on land rights, compensation and revenue sharing before mining proceeds.
Linda Mwananchi Movement leader Edwin Sifuna has demanded full disclosure of the proposed Mrima Hills mining project in Kwale. He accused the government of failing to assure residents that they would benefit from the minerals.
Sifuna wants the government to publish all mining agreements, including terms governing investors and the sharing of benefits. He also questioned whether officials had addressed residents’ concerns over land ownership, compensation and revenue.
The proposed project at Mrima Hill in Lunga Lunga targets niobium and rare earth minerals. Industries use these minerals in aerospace, electronics and electric vehicle manufacturing.
Mrima Hills mining raises land and compensation concerns
Sifuna claimed that some residents hold title documents covering less land than they actually occupy. He therefore urged the government to resolve historical ownership disputes before allowing new mining activities.
He warned that unresolved disputes could leave residents without adequate compensation if they lost their land. He also argued that communities must participate in decisions involving mineral resources found on their land.
Pointing to earlier mining operations, Sifuna alleged that Base Titanium left without delivering promised community project funds. The company operated the Kwale Mineral Sands project for more than a decade and signed community agreements in 2021.
However, Sifuna questioned whether the new project would produce a different outcome for local people. He challenged Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani to explain their response to concerns from previous operations.
He insisted that the interests of Kwale residents should come before those of prospective investors.
Five bidders seek the mineral project
Meanwhile, Joho said five bidders submitted proposals on October 21, 2026. They comprise two American consortia, a US-linked group, an Australian consortium and a Kenyan-British joint venture.
Two Chinese companies withdrew from the process, leaving the five contenders. Joho said the government expected to select a successful bidder within two to three weeks.
He also said national interests and transparency would guide the selection. Estimates put the deposit’s mineral value at tens of billions of dollars, but that figure does not represent government or community earnings.
Beyond mining, Sifuna accused the Ruto administration of taking Coast residents’ political support for granted. He argued that appointing regional leaders to senior government positions did not guarantee support in the 2027 election.
He also urged opposition leaders to unite behind one presidential candidate. The movement named Sifuna its proposed party leader on October 30, with delegates due to consider the appointments on November 13.
