Rescue operations are ongoing at Kambi Karaya in Pokot Central, West Pokot County, after a gold mine collapsed, leaving several miners trapped. Teams from the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, and the Kenya Red Cross are coordinating efforts on-site to locate and recover those still underground. The incident, which has shocked the local community, marks another disaster in an area plagued by unsafe, unregulated artisanal mining practices.
This is the second major collapse at Kambi Karaya this year, highlighting the persistent dangers of illegal mining. Residents have expressed concerns over the lack of stringent safety measures, with many miners working in unstable pits without protective equipment or proper supervision. Locals and authorities are working together, but the operation faces challenges due to the unstable soil and makeshift tunnels. Previous incidents in West Pokot, including a collapse in Turkwel, have resulted in multiple fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations.
Community reactions have been mixed, with social media abuzz as residents call for stricter government oversight. Some critics fault local political leaders for insufficient intervention, while others appeal for safer alternatives for artisanal miners whose livelihoods depend on gold extraction. Authorities have reiterated that illegal mining will continue to face strong regulatory action to prevent further loss of life, urging residents to comply with safety protocols and reporting mechanisms. The rescue teams continue their work, racing against time to save those still trapped underground.