Kenya has begun collecting views from the public on how mining of various minerals will be effected in the country.
Parliament is seeking public opinion from the public on how to enact a legislation on mining through for the yet-to-be implemented mining bill.
A team of 15 legislators, including Nakuru North MP David Gikaria, is on a counntrywide tour to collect views on how Kenyans owning land with unexploited minerals would benefit from the natural resources.
"Our neighbouring country Tanzania has made strides in mining, but soon will be in that position and become one of the leading mineral producers in Africa," he said.
At least 970 different type of minerals are yet to be mined.
Three MPs on Friday toured Kericho country to seek views from the community on how mining would benefit landowners with mineral prospects.
They are Gikaria, Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei and Uasin Gishu norminated MP Joseph Wainaina.
They collected views from the local community on how mining should be effected the moment the proposed Mining Bill is passed in Parliament.
Gikaria said once the bill passes, local prospect minors would be licensed by the Mining ministry to undertake mining.
"Unlike before, when illegal mining used to take place without government supervision, this time round, those behind illegal mining will have their days numbered," he said.
For decades, illegal mineral miners had conned Kenyans and foreigners of millions of shillings after selling them fake minerals, especially gold and mercury, Gikaria said.
Now the Mining ministry will be the only mining licensing focal point to avoid duplicating from those seeking mining licences.
Once Kenya passes the proposed mining bill into law, illegal minors behind sale of fake minerals will have their days numbered.
Each region with potential mineral production will get mineral processing factories for value addition.
"With the prevailing cases of unemployment in Kenya, such mineral-processing factories will be new avenue for jobs creation," Gikaria said.
All licensed miners will be subjected to mining training on the safety of those hired to do the job.
Those whose land will be lucky to have mineral prospects will get a share of 10 per cent from the proceeds, with 20 per cent and 70 per cent going to the county and national governments respectively.
Gikaria said Kenya's future is bright economically and as time goes by, mining is going to topple agriculture in foreign exchange earnings.
Kemei welcomed the discovery of gold at Cheplanget village in Buret subcounty and two other minerals in Ainamoi subcounty that are used for manufacturing of cement and balast.