This archive report was first published on 30 June 2021.
On June 30, 2021, the Kenyan government introduced legal restrictions on licensing for informal gold miners in Kakamega, putting their jobs at risk.
The move aims to regulate the artisanal mining sector, but it has sparked concerns among the miners who rely on the industry for their livelihoods.
Artisanal mining is a significant source of income for many in Kakamega, with thousands of people involved in the sector.
However, the new regulations may force many of these miners out of business, leaving them without a source of income.
The government's decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a necessary step to ensure the sector's sustainability, while others view it as a threat to their livelihoods.
