Mining Ministry Clarifies Shanta Gold’s Status Following Siaya Judgment

The government has defended Shanta Gold Kenya Limited’s prospecting license following a court ruling restricting the company from conducting mining-related activities on private land in parts of Siaya County without the consent of registered landowners.

Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai said the Environment and Land Court’s judgment delivered on October 29, 2026, did not cancel, suspend, or revoke the company’s Prospecting License No. PL/2019/0222.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, Kimtai clarified that the court had not ordered Shanta Gold to halt all its activities but had instead outlined the legal requirements that must be observed when implementing the project.

He maintained that the prospecting license remained valid and in force while assuring residents, investors, and other stakeholders that the government would respect and implement the court’s directions.

The clarification followed a ruling barring Shanta Gold from entering private land, conducting prospecting or drilling, clearing vegetation, excavating, or undertaking other works in affected areas of Ramula, Munungo, and Uranga without the express consent of registered landowners.

The court also directed relevant mining authorities not to issue a mining license for application number 0200 until documentary evidence of consent from all affected private landowners is provided.

Additionally, objections submitted against the proposed Ramula Mboma mining project must be reconsidered afresh, while a framework agreement on benefit-sharing arrangements must be concluded before a mining licence is granted.

The court further restrained the company and relevant authorities from undertaking unlawful steps to resettle, relocate, or displace residents.

Kimtai said the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs respected the independence of the Judiciary and would ensure that all subsequent actions complied with the Constitution, the Mining Act, and the court’s directives.

The dispute has drawn attention to landowners’ rights, community participation, and benefit-sharing arrangements as the proposed gold mining project advances.

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