Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa inspects the ongoing rescue operation of artisanal gold miners/Photo/Courtesy
Rescue operations are ongoing at a collapsed gold mine in Kakamega, where 20 people were trapped inside the shaft on Monday evening at Emachilifu village in Shinyalu Constituency.
Those who were rescued were taken to the Kakamega General Hospital for treatment and stabilization of their condition.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa visited the mining site on Tuesday afternoon, assuring artisanal miners of the county government’s commitment to ensuring their safety.
“I support artisanal mining; I will make sure we enhance the safety of our people who are involved in artisanal mining because that is their source of income,” the governor noted.
Rescue operation ongoing at a collapsed goldmine at Emachilifu village in Shinyalu Constituency/Photo/Courtesy
He also announced a waiver of the hospital fees for the miners who have been admitted to the hospital.
Governor Barasa also announced that the county government will expedite the construction of a gold refinery at Ikolomani which will provide job opportunities for the youth.
The chairperson of the Artisanal Mining Committee, Patrick Ligami, asked the governor to ensure better management of the mining sector in the county to benefit locals.