Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho says investments in Kenya’s mining sector must create jobs, build national wealth and directly benefit local communities. He urged both local and international investors to explore the country’s largely untapped mineral resources while ensuring shared prosperity.
Speaking in Nairobi during the US–Kenya Critical Supply Chains Conference organised by the American Chamber of Commerce and the US Embassy, Joho said Kenya is ready to unlock its mineral potential and take part in the global mining value chain. He stressed that the government is focused on turning natural wealth into real economic growth.
Kenya last year classified 14 minerals as strategic and critical, including rare earths, coltan, copper, lithium, niobium, nickel and radioactive materials. The move aims to support the green energy transition, boost industrial growth and attract high-value investment. Key deposits are located in Mrima Hill in Kwale and parts of Western Kenya, placing the country in global technology and electric vehicle supply chains.
Joho said Kenya is shifting from exporting raw minerals to promoting local processing and value addition. He noted strong investor interest from countries such as the United States, Australia and China, especially in high-grade niobium, rare earths and newly discovered gold deposits.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the approach, saying both Kenya and the US are pursuing development that improves citizens’ lives. He said strong partnerships can deliver mutual benefits while respecting national priorities.
AmCham Kenya CEO Maxwell Okello said Kenya is well-positioned to benefit from changing global supply chains but requires clear policies, predictable regulations and strong public-private collaboration to attract investors.
Joho said the government has introduced policies that balance investor returns with benefits to the national government, counties and host communities. Kenya plans to raise mining’s contribution to GDP from about one per cent to 10 per cent by 2030.
The government is also investing in geophysical surveys to map mineral potential, including in forested areas, while enforcing strict environmental standards. Additional opportunities exist in commercial forestry, eco-tourism and structured resource extraction supported by digital monitoring, public-private partnerships and investor incentives.
