Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya
By: John Kariuki
In another major first for the Mining Sector, the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs officially handed over the site for the Fluospar Processing Plant in Elgeyo Marakwet in a move that will see the silent valleys, hills and villages of Kimwarer awaken to the welcome roars of giant engines that will signify the resumption of long-awaited operations for Flouspar Processing in the region.
The historic event that saw a strategic investor take over the facility after a nine-year hiatus remains one of the most solid testaments of Kenya’s government’s commitment to invent in critical interventions in the sector with deliberate focus on supporting initiatives that promote value addition to employment opportunities for youths in Kenya.
In this regard, it was an honor to have joined the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya and Elgeyo Marakwet leadership led by Governor Wisley Rotich to witness this momentous event that not only marks the beginning of Fluorspar processing operations in Kenya but also carries within its lifespan the hopes for improved social economic welfare for thousands in the region.
The event was also attended by other leaders including Senator William Kipkemoi Kisang, Women Representative Caroline Ng’elechei, Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo Office of the MP, Keiyo South, Members of County Assembly and other senior National and County Government officials.
The meeting was also attended by senior director for the consortium of companies that will operate the plant including Soy Flouspar, Fujax East Africa John Masanda and Fujax UK.
The investor, Soy-Fujax, will inject sh 4.8 billion into the revival of the plant that is set to be operational by January 2025. The first consignment of 30,000 tons of processed fluorspar is expected to be shipped to the international market by end of February 2025.
The resumption of operations at the dormant plant has been hailed as a new dawn by the leaders and local residents who cited severe adverse effects for the community and local economy when the plant closed down in 2016.
With the looming resumption of operations, the community is eagerly anticipating a windfall of goodies including bolstering of local enterprises and businesses through consumption of local content, creation of employment opportunities, skills transfer and transformation of social-economic welfare of the residents.
As State Department for Mining, our resolve to continuously revamp the sector through collaborative investments continues to yield dividends through establishment of value addition facilities locally.
With the engines at the plant set to return to full throttle within six months, we commit to work closely with all stakeholders including county government and investors to ensure Kenyans benefit from the country’s mineral resource.
With an investor already working on the Gold Refinery in County Government of Kakamega and another one poised to take over the Granite Plant in County Government of Vihiga and Soap Stone Processing Facility in Kisii County Government, Kenya’s latent potential in mining and determination to chart a historic mineral processing path will see her elevated into becoming a unique powerhouse in the league of mineral processing nations.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 29-30, 2026
- Old Mutual swings to KSh882M profit as insurance arm ends losing run
- US pumps KSh930M into Kenya police modernisation
- Kalonzo comes to the Coast with a simple, devastating message: You have been betrayed
- Tear gas, shuttered shops and a government out of touch: The KRA tax revolt that could define Kenya’s road to 2027
About the Author
