Kakamega Closes Shiveye Gold Mine After Fatal Collapse

The Kakamega County Government has closed the Shiveye gold mine after three miners were killed when part of the site collapsed.

Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who visited the scene, said the Ministry of Mining will work with county officials to carry out a full safety audit before any decision is made on reopening. He stressed that stopping operations is necessary to prevent further loss of life and urged residents to stay away from the area while experts assess the stability of the ground. 

Savula also warned that returning to the site before the review is complete would put more people at risk. County authorities have pledged support for the families of the deceased, including help with burial arrangements. 

Officials said the measures aim to protect the public while recognising that mining remains an important source of income in the region. The incident comes at a time of rising tension in Kakamega’s Isulu Ikolomani constituency. Last week, three people were shot dead during protests against Shanta Gold Company’s plans to acquire land for large-scale mining. 

The company recently confirmed the discovery of gold deposits worth an estimated KSh 683 billion in the Isulu and Bushiangala areas and has secured government approval to advance the project. Shanta Gold plans to invest between KSh 22 billion and KSh 27 billion to build an underground mine and processing plant, a development that would require relocating more than 800 households.

Attempts to engage residents have faced sustained opposition. A public participation forum organised by Shanta Gold and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was disrupted when protesters blocked roads and lit bonfires to stop officials from reaching Emusali Primary School.