By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, December 12, 2025 — Kakamega County is at the centre of a growing national story after the discovery of significant gold deposits in the Ikolomani area, reportedly valued at around KSh 680 billion (about USD 5.3 billion).
The find, linked to operations by Shanta Gold Kenya Limited, has triggered a complex dispute involving local communities, county leadership, and national authorities.
On Jamhuri Day in Kakamega, Governor Fernandes Barasa appealed to political actors to refrain from inflaming the situation, arguing that the gold project could deliver “major economic benefits” if managed responsibly. He stressed that residents whose land falls within the mining zone would not be ignored and promised “lawful compensation” for those affected.
Barasa’s remarks reflect county leadership’s attempt to balance investor interests with community welfare amid deepening unrest. His stance is echoed by Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who highlighted the potential for the project to unlock wealth and drive economic growth in the county.
Both leaders emphasise development, but their messaging underscores the tension between economic promise and social stability.
Despite official calls for calm, the situation on the ground has been volatile. Violent confrontations between residents and police during public participation forums and discussions around mining land access have reportedly left several people dead and dozens injured.
These unrest episodes stem from fears among locals—especially artisanal miners—that large-scale commercial mining will displace them and erode their traditional livelihoods.
Many residents, who depend on small-scale gold panning as a key livelihood, have openly defied attempts to relocate them, insisting they will not abandon their ancestral land without clear guarantees.
This defiance highlights the social and economic stakes at the heart of the conflict: for some, this is not abstract development but the future of their daily survival.
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The controversy has drawn broader political engagement. National figures, including lawmakers from Western Kenya, have called for structured consultations and benefit-sharing mechanisms to ensure that mining revenues translate into tangible improvements for local communities.
Talks involving regional senators and elders have focused on accountability, fair compensation, and meaningful participation in decision-making.
Meanwhile, Barasa and national mining officials have sought to defuse tensions with a unified communication strategy to deliver factual updates on the project and reassure communities of transparent procedures.
The Shanta Gold project exemplifies the challenges of resource-led development in Kenya: immense economic potential paired with deep community anxiety and political contestation.
The coming weeks will test whether county and national leaders can bridge the gap between investor goals and grassroots realities.
Success may hinge on inclusive dialogue, fair compensation frameworks, and an authentic commitment to protecting both livelihoods and local agency.
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