On 28 February 2024, the Kitui County Assembly passed the County River Basins Sand Utilisation and Conservation Bill, 2023, aimed at bringing order to the unregulated and lucrative sand mining industry.
The Bill, once assented to by Governor Julius Malombe, is expected to:
Regulate the sand mining sector controlled by cartels.
Restore degraded land and conserve the environment.
Boost county revenue and ensure equitable sharing of benefits among local communities.
The motion was moved by Daniel Muange, chair of the Environment, Energy, and Minerals Investments Committee, and seconded by his deputy Rose Kasyoka. Assembly Speaker Kevin Katisya emphasized the need for strict enforcement of the law.
Minority Leader Alex Nganga noted that the law is regulatory rather than punitive, aiming to generate revenue for the county. Majority Leader Harrison Maluki added that Kitui residents would finally benefit from their natural resources instead of outsiders.
The Governor was set to assent to the Bill on 1 March 2024.