This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
The Catholic Church in Kenya has taken a step towards addressing concerns associated with coal mining in the country. On November 8, 2019, the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops convened a National Dialogue on Coal Mining in Nairobi.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Mining and Members of the National Assembly from constituencies where coal mining is ongoing. The objective was to address concerns that come with the extraction of coal.
Bishop John Oballa Owaa, the Chairman of the CJPC, emphasized the importance of ensuring that resources benefit the poor and serve towards the realization of integral human development. He noted that environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change are the main challenges associated with coal mining.
"In order to cut through the 'tough conversation' about environmental protection in extractive Industry, I believe that a new kind of collaboration will be necessary to re-engage the disengaged and re-inspire the engaged but reluctant and increasingly disheartened," reads a statement delivered on his behalf by Fr Nicholas Makau, the Chairman CJPC at the Religious Superiors Conference of Kenya (RSCK).
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Mining, John Omenge, accepted the cautions raised in the statement by Bishop Oballa, emphasizing the need to conserve the environment not only in coal mining but also in any other resources. He highlighted ownership of the resources, environmental concerns, public participation, and equitable share of resources as pillars in the mining sector captured in the constitution of Kenya.
Member of Parliament for Kitui Central, Benson Makali Muli, proposed the use of modern technology in the extraction of coal to mitigate environmental issues that come with coal mining. He assured that the Wiper party, led by Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, gives its full support to the initiative.
