Dorcas Rigathi Advocates Education Before Mining
PHOTO: Hon Dorcas Rigathi
In Migori County, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the spouse of the Deputy President, leads the certification of mining cooperatives, emphasizing the importance of education before venturing into mining activities.
Encouraging Education and Cooperative Work
Speaking at the Osiri Mining and Marketing Cooperative Society office grounds in Nyatike, Pastor Dorcas urges miners to prioritize education before entering the mining sector. She emphasizes the need to eradicate child labor in mining and calls for miners to join cooperatives to streamline their work.
Ensuring Accreditation and Skill Development
Pastor Dorcas highlights the significance of accreditation for miners, ensuring they benefit from their daily activities. She advocates for prior learning accreditation and the development of a technical training syllabus to equip miners with necessary skills.
Promoting Environmental Conservation
Addressing the youth, Pastor Dorcas encourages innovative ways to safeguard the environment amidst mining activities. She emphasizes the importance of cooperative work and offers assistance in obtaining necessary documents for miners.
Issuing Licenses and Safety Gear
During the event, Pastor Dorcas issues licenses for mineral processing and mining permits, along with safety gear including gloves, reflectors, and headgear. Additionally, she presents a vehicle for mining services in Migori County.
Government Initiatives and Progress
The government’s efforts in reforming the mining sector are highlighted by Principal Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Elijah Mwangi. He emphasizes the need for licensing in the mining business and announces initiatives to facilitate the licensing process.
Decriminalizing Artisanal Mining
PS Mwangi discusses the process of decriminalizing artisanal mining, following strict timelines set by President William Ruto. The ministry is working on formalizing marketing cooperatives, with significant progress already made.
Benefitting Miners Beyond Migori County
Chairman of the miners in Migori County, Kepha Ochuka, expresses optimism about the certification’s impact, extending beyond Migori County. He emphasizes the essential role of miners in the mining industry’s success and highlights the importance of mining cooperatives.
