Preparations for the International Mining and Investments Conference scheduled for February 2024 in Nairobi have commenced. The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, in collaboration with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and other relevant ministries, is actively engaged in organizing this pioneering event.

KNCCI President, Dr. Erick Rutto, expressed the organization’s commitment to ensuring the success of the conference, acknowledging the vital role of the private sector in advancing the mining sector’s development and its contribution to the national GDP. A meeting between Dr. Rutto and Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs took place in Nairobi to discuss the event.

CS Mvurya affirmed the government’s dedication to supporting the private sector in driving national development. KNCCI is also advocating for the involvement of the International Commission on Great Lakes (ICGLR) Private Sector Forum (PSF) in the conference, which represents 12 countries. KNCCI currently hosts the ICGLR Private Sector Forum and aims to capitalize on regional opportunities to enhance trade and market connections within the East African Region, Great Lakes region, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The mining and Blue Economy sectors, considered underexploited, hold significant potential for national, regional, and global development. President William Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to making the mining sector a primary driver of the economy during the opening of the Voi Gemstone Value Addition and Marketing Centre in Taita Taveta County last week. He outlined ambitious goals to transform the mining sector’s contribution to GDP, develop a robust mineral development and value addition policy, and increase mineral royalty revenues, projecting substantial growth in the sector.