This archive report was first published on 4 July 2019.
On the heels of a recent surge in foreign direct investments in the region, a group of Japanese investors has set its sights on Kilifi County, with a focus on the area's mineral-rich deposits.
According to estimates from Base Titanium, Kilifi County boasts an impressive 10 times more titanium deposits than its neighboring county, Kwale, which has significant deposits in the Mamburi area.
With its proximity to the Port of Mombasa, ample affordable land, and a youthful workforce, Kilifi County has emerged as a favorable destination for investment. The county's mining sector is expected to receive a significant boost from the Japanese investors, who have identified the area's mining and blue economy value chain as sectors for investment.
As part of the investment plan, the Japanese investors are set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Kilifi county government within the next 30 days. This move is expected to fast-track the implementation of the investment plan and unlock the county's vast mineral wealth.
According to a mining report by Base Titanium, Kilifi County is home to approximately 1.4 billion tonnes of titanium, with the Vipingo, Mamburi, and Sokoke areas covering a total of 450.7 kilometers.
The government has been actively engaged in aerial mapping of minerals to identify deposits on land and in the Indian Ocean.
