Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary nominee Salim Mvurya has said he will work with the National Treasury to expedite disbursement of royalties to local communities.
According to the two-term Governor of Kwale County, despite the act being in place, there are no mechanisms that ensures the royalties earned from minerals reach local communities as envisaged in the Mining Act 2016.
The Act requires mining royalties to be shared between the National Government, County Government and local community at the rate of 70pc, 20pc and 10pc respectively.
Mvurya whose county host one of the largest mining operations in the country run by Base Titanium said he plans to work with the National Treasury to establish a disbursement framework.
“What I have noted is that for example the 10pc there is no framework that has been developed by the National Treasury to share royalties,” said Mvurya.
He also denied involvement in renewal of base Titanium license during his tenure as governor.
“That is a wrong accusation. I did not participate in any way in renewing the license for Base Titanium.”
Besides a promise to train additional 1,500 seafarers through Bandari Maritime Academy and equip local fishermen with proper skills to venture into deep sea fishing, Mvurya said he will coordinate with the defence and interior ministries in securing the International Exclusive Economic Zone from illegal fishermen.
The CS nominee told the committee he plans to also mainstream artisanal mining by commissioning training on safety to avoid cases of death that has frequented the industry.
The Agribusiness Management graduate from Edgerton University and a two-term Governor of Kwale County revealed his Ksh 120 million net worth to the Moses Wetang’ula-led committee, a figure which jumped from less than Ksh 10 million in 2012 when he became governor.
“My financial net worth Mr. Chairman is Ksh 120 million in land, houses, bank accounts and vehicles,” he declared to the Moses Wetang’ula led committee.
In 2012 it was less than 10 million.
The post Mvurya targets to review royalty disbursment to local communities appeared first on KBC.
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