Taita Taveta, Kenya — Tension is mounting in Taita Taveta County after members of the Kishushe Ranchers Cooperative Society Limited accused powerful investors and a section of county officials of attempting to push mining consents without the involvement of legitimate landowners.
The ranchers say the alleged illegal consents have created confusion within the Ministry of Mining’s Cadastre system, blocking compliant investors—who followed the required procedures—from being properly pegged, licensed, or considered for prospecting and mining rights.
Speaking during a press briefing in Voi, the cooperative members claimed that influential individuals are working with investors to unlawfully access Kishushe Ranch, which is among the region’s most valuable iron ore zones.
The ranchers lamented several companies lack valid consents from landowners but have nonetheless been recognized or validated within the Cadastre. They further accused the Ministry of Mining of overlooking the legal requirement for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) as outlined in the Mining Act, 2016.
According to the cooperative, some companies currently listed as operating within Kishushe Ranch cannot be pegged, granted Prospecting Licences (PLs), or Mining Licences (MLs) under the law. They are now demanding an immediate investor selection process and transparent negotiations that respect community rights.
Kishushe Ranch has a long history of land and mining disputes, largely due to the high-value iron ore deposits beneath its soil—worth billions of shillings. The fresh allegations add to ongoing tensions between local communities, investors, and government agencies.
The County Government of Taita Taveta and the Ministry of Mining had not issued a response by the time of publication.
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