Specific Remarks:

Kenya is a member state of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). It is also the host country for the Regional Youth Forum's Secretariat, with the agreement signed in Nairobi in 2022. Furthermore, Nairobi has hosted several ICGLR meetings, including the 26th Audit Committee Meeting and the 30th Regional Committee Meeting, focusing on regional cooperation and responsible mineral trade.

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) has a presence in Nairobi, Kenya. The Secretariat of the ICGLR is located there, and it also serves as the host for various ICGLR meetings and events.

Kenya Minerals Certification Situation

Kenya's mining sector is undergoing significant changes related to mineral certification, focusing on formalizing the sector, combating smuggling, and establishing robust testing and processing facilities. The country is actively working to improve mineral governance, transparency, and sustainability through various initiatives.

Key Aspects of Kenya's Mineral Certification Situation:

• Formalization of the sector:

• Kenya is moving towards a more formalized mining sector, with a focus on licensing and regulation to ensure responsible mining practices.

• Combating mineral smuggling:

• Kenya is actively involved in regional efforts, such as the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), to combat mineral smuggling and illicit trade.

• Establishment of mineral testing and processing facilities:

• Kenya is investing in modernizing its mineral testing and processing capabilities, including a regional mineral testing and processing center aimed at achieving international standards.

• Collaboration with international partners:

• Kenya is partnering with countries like Indonesia to enhance its mineral testing and processing capabilities and attract investment in the sector.

• Strategic Minerals:

• The government has identified 14 minerals as strategic due to their importance in the economy, geopolitics, and national defense, including rare earth, coltan, nickel, and lithium.

Specific Initiatives and Developments:

• Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest):

• KenInvest provides guidance on obtaining a mining license, including registering with the mining cadastre portal.

• Mineral Rights Board (MRB):

• The MRB reviews and approves mining license applications.

• State Department for Mining:

• The State Department is responsible for monitoring and enforcing licensing conditions and other provisions under the Mining Act.

• Kenya's premier mineral laboratory:

• The country is working to transform its mineral laboratory into a regional testing and processing center, seeking ISO certification to establish international standards.

• Kenya-Indonesia collaboration:

• The partnership between Kenya and Indonesia aims to establish an international mineral testing and certification laboratory in Kenya.

• Great Lakes Mining and Investment Conference:

• Kenya hosted the inaugural Great Lakes Mining and Investment Conference, showcasing its mining potential and advocating for strengthened measures in safeguarding natural resources.

• Coltan Discovery:

• Kenya officially announced the discovery of coltan reserves, marking a significant development in the country's mining sector.

Challenges and Future Outlook:

• Despite progress, challenges remain in ensuring that mining activities uplift the living standards of mining communities and address issues like displacement and lack of employment opportunities.

• The mining sector's contribution to GDP is expected to increase to 3% by 2017 and 10% by 2030, making it a key driver of economic growth.

• The government is committed to transforming the mining sector into a key economic pillar for Kenya through strategic collaborations and investments.