Mining officials have urged artisanal miners in Siaya County to suspend underground mining activities during the anticipated El Niño rains to prevent deadly mine collapses.
Siaya County Inspector of Mines Tikani Morris issued the warning during a Mazingira Day environmental event at Karapul Junior School, cautioning that heavy rainfall could weaken underground mining sites and increase the risk of cave-ins.
Morris said mine collapses remain a major cause of fatalities at mining sites, particularly where artisanal miners operate underground without adequate safety measures.
“Most of the deaths that occur in mining sites are as a result of mine collapses,” Morris said.
He urged miners to stop working when the heavy rains begin and return to their farms until conditions improve.
“When it rains, soil density increases, and most artisanal miners operate underground where the soil might cave in at any time,” he said.
Government Steps Up Mine Safety Awareness
The State Department for Mining is working with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to sensitise communities about mining safety and enforce regulations during the rainy season.
Officials said community awareness forums, commonly known as barazas, are being used to explain the dangers associated with underground mining during periods of heavy rainfall.
Authorities also warned that legal action could be taken against miners who disregard safety guidelines during the rainy season.
The campaign seeks to reduce preventable deaths by encouraging miners to prioritise their safety rather than continue operations in potentially unstable underground sites.
Siaya Records Four Mine-Related Deaths
Despite the risks, Morris reported progress in mine safety following sustained awareness campaigns and environmental education.
Siaya County recorded four mine-related fatalities during the 2025–2026 reporting period, according to the county inspector.
The official said the reduction compared with previous years pointed to progress in efforts to improve safety awareness among artisanal miners.
However, authorities continue to urge miners to observe safety guidelines, particularly as the county prepares for periods of heavy rainfall.
Mining Cooperatives Promoted to Improve Safety
The State Department for Mining is encouraging informal miners to join cooperatives as part of wider efforts to formalise the sector and improve working conditions.
Officials say cooperative membership can help miners organise their activities, strengthen safety standards and obtain official artisanal mining permits.
Siaya County currently has more than 12 registered mining cooperatives, several of which have already received mining licences.
Formalisation is expected to support better oversight of mining operations while encouraging compliance with applicable safety and environmental requirements.
Mazingira Day Marked With Tree Planting
The safety warning was issued during a Mazingira Day event at Karapul Junior School, where government officials and community members participated in a tree-planting exercise.
The activity aimed to promote environmental rehabilitation in areas affected by mining.
Siaya Township Chief Romlulus Okoth praised the initiative, saying awareness about mine rehabilitation benefits the wider community, including residents who work in nearby mining areas.
He noted that many local residents depend on mining hubs in South East and Central Alego for their livelihoods.
The event combined environmental conservation with calls for safer mining practices as authorities seek to protect both workers and communities affected by mining activities.
