Mining activities in the Wanjala area of Kishushe, Wundanyi Constituency, have officially resumed, marking the end of a prolonged and tense stalemate between large-scale mining investors and local landowners. The breakthrough was solidified by the formal launch of mineral transportation from the Kishushe extraction site directly to the Manga processing plant, signaling a fresh start for the region’s extractives sector.
Speaking during the operational launch, Taita Taveta County Governor Andrew Mwadime expressed immense satisfaction with the resolution, projecting that the single mining venture will generate approximately KSh 540 million annually in Own Source Revenue (OSR) for the county.
Governor Mwadime heavily emphasized a strategic shift toward local value addition, stating that processing iron ore locally will maximize economic benefits for both the county government and the host community, thereby funding critical public services and driving regional development.
The highly anticipated breakthrough is largely credited to the newly elected leadership of the Kishushe Ranch Committee, who managed to navigate deep seated community grievances and restore lawful operations just seven months after taking office.
Spearheaded by Chairperson Matilda Waleghwa and Secretary Wilfred Mwalimo, the committee expressed optimism that the reviving sector would uplift local livelihoods, though they issued a strict appeal to incoming investors to ensure fair, safe, and timely labor compensation for all local workers.
The revitalization of the multibillion shilling iron ore project is backed by major industrial players, with Samrudha Resources Limited already commencing active extraction and Devki Steel Mills scheduled to roll out its expansive activities in the area shortly.
This massive operational resumption comes just ahead of an official, high profile commissioning ceremony expected to be presided over next month by President William Ruto.
