Coltan discovery poised to transform Embu economy

SAMUEL WAITITU-KNA

Embu County is set for significant economic transformation following the confirmation of deposits of coltan and other strategic minerals by the Ministry of Mining.

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, said Embu is among the few counties identified by the Government of Kenya as hosting strategic minerals critical for digital and industrial development, as well as the global energy transition.

Speaking during a highlevel consultative meeting with county leadership led by Governor Cecily Mbarire and other stakeholders at the Kenya School of Government Embu Campus, Joho noted that geological records and exploration have confirmed the presence of columbite and tantalite, collectively known as coltan.

He also said other mineral deposits including copper, local leadership.

Mainga stressed that the railway route has been fully designed and cannot be altered, explaining that even minor deviations could compromise safety and operational efficiency.

NLC Director of Valuation and Taxation, Joel Ombati, said the Commission has received formal notice from the Ministry of Transport to acquire the land required for the 269-kilometre Phase II B stretch, which will traverse Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira, and Kisumu counties.

“Kisumu has the highest number of Project Affected Persons (PAPs),” said Ombati. “All affected persons will be compensated in accordance with Kenyan law and prevailing market rates.”

He said a digital platform will be deployed to demarcate parcels and collect ownership data, targeting completion of compensagraphite, mica, aquamarine, rare earth elements, and various construction and industrial minerals were discovered in the area 

“Geological mapping had identified multiple coltan occurrence sites in Kaumu in Mbeere South Constituency as well as Kianguguru and Gatue in Mbeere North Constituency,” the CS said.

He noted that there were prospects of copper, zinc, silver, gold and rare earth elements, particularly in the lower parts of Embu County.

“With coltan mining in Embu, we expect increased job creation, growth of local enterprises, improved infrastructure, enhanced revenue for both. The route has been identified, designed and approved.

"We cannot change even an inch of it. Railway engineering relies on strict gradient requirements to support passenger speeds of 120 km/h and tion within eight months to ensure construction proceeds without delay,"Kenya Railways Managing Director (MD), Philip Mainga.

Mainga, speaking at the same meeting, said the project will be launched simultaneously in Narok and Kisumu, with completion scheduled for June 2027.

“We have instructions to start this project by March 28. We must launch on that date and we are working to ensure we meet the timelines,” Joho said.

He noted that groundwork in Narok near Narok Teachers College, was already at an advanced stage following consultations with the county government and levels of government, and expansion of opportunities for our youth and skilled professionals.

He reported that coltan was a highly strategic and valued mineral used in the manufacture of electronic devices, renewable energy technologies and advanced industrial applications, positioning Embu as an emerging mineral hub in Eastern Kenya.

Coltan, a grey black mineral in its pure form, has gained importance during the Electronic Age as it is a major raw material in the manufacture of mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices.