Kwale residents demand a fair share in Mrima Hill mining project

Residents of Mrima in Kwale County have raised concerns over the proposed Mrima Hill mining project, estimated to be worth about Sh200 billion, saying they fear evictions, loss of sacred sites, and being left out of benefits.

During a meeting at the Kenya School of Government, Matuga Campus, Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho assured local leaders that the project will follow the law, be transparent, and include community participation.

“We will uphold transparency and accountability throughout the project, and the people of Mrima and the Digo community will be the first beneficiaries,” CS Joho told residents.

But residents and Kaya elders said the assurances were not enough, especially since many families live in Lunga Lunga constituency, over 50 kilometres from the meeting venue, making direct participation difficult.

They also cited past experiences with the Base Titanium project, which left some locals feeling excluded.

“Some families have been threatened with eviction without clear plans for relocation,” said a local resident.

“Sacred shrines may be demolished, which would destroy our culture,” added a Kaya elder.

Digo community spokesperson Ali Chirau Mwakwere, who was not at the meeting, has publicly urged the government to ensure the community benefits from the project.

He referenced the recent transfer of management of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County in October 2025, which allowed local Maasai communities to share in revenues and decision-making.

“This is a multi-billion shilling project, and the community must benefit directly,” Mr Mwakwere said.
“Just as the Maasai now have a say in Amboseli, the people of Kwale should have a role in managing and benefiting from Mrima Hill.”

Youths attending the meeting welcomed the promise of jobs but said there was a communication gap, leaving many residents unsure about the project’s scope and timelines.

Analysts say the government faces a delicate balancing act. Mrima Hill hosts rare earth minerals critical for technology and renewable energy, attracting investors, but unresolved issues around land rights, cultural preservation, and inclusion could cause tension and delays.

“Without clear agreements on benefits and protection of cultural sites, large projects often face resistance that can stall operations for years,” said a mining policy expert.

CS Joho said the government will continue community engagement, carry out a full feasibility study, and ensure legal compliance, while local leaders demanded formal guarantees on benefit-sharing, compensation, and protection of sacred sites before mining begins.

“We are watching closely. The community must not be left behind while billions are extracted from our land,” said a local youth representative.