Overview
- Act: Section 30 of the Mining Act No 12 of 2016
- Formed: 2017
- CEO: Sophie Kutiti Olesambu
- X (Twitter)
The Mineral Rights Board of Kenya is a statutory body established under the Mining Act of 2016 to oversee the management and allocation of mineral rights. Its primary role is to advise the Cabinet Secretary on the issuance of licenses and permits for mining activities. The board ensures that mineral resources are managed sustainably, promoting equitable exploitation while safeguarding environmental conservation. It comprises experts from various fields, including mining, law, and environmental science, working together to regulate the mining industry and protect public interest.
CEO: Sophie Kutiti Olesambu
Sophie Kutiti Olesambu is the Chairperson of Kenya’s Mineral Rights Board, appointed in October 2023. She has extensive experience in the mining sector and plays a key role in promoting international partnerships to enhance Kenya’s mining industry. Her focus is on sustainable mineral resource management and investment growth.
Board of Governors
Sophie Kutiti Olesambu
Chairperson
Mr. Elijah Mwangi
Principal Secretary, Ministry of Mining.
Dr. Chris Kiptoo
Principal Secretary, Treasury
Justin Irina
Expert in Geology and Mining
Gershom Otachi Bw’Omanwa
Chairperson of the National Land Commission
Moses Njeru
Commissioner of Mines and Geology
Functions
- Advising the Cabinet Secretary on granting and revoking mineral rights.
- Reviewing applications for mining licenses and permits.
- Ensuring sustainable management of mineral resources.
- Approving mining agreements.
- Developing policy recommendations for the mining sector.
- Overseeing compliance with mining laws and regulations.
- Facilitating stakeholder consultations in the mining sector.
- Promoting fairness and transparency in mineral rights allocation.
- Protecting environmental standards in mining operations.
- Ensuring equitable benefits from mineral resource exploitation.
Address & Contacts
- P.O. Box 30016–00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Works Building, 3rd Flr, Ngong Rd 6, Ngong Rd, Nairobi
- ps@mining.go.ke
- +254-20-2721074