Kwale Residents and Leaders applaud President Ruto For Appointing CS Mvurya and Penina Malonza
H.E Salim Mvurya Cabinet Secretary -Mining Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs during his swearing in ceremony at State House Nairobi/Photo Courtesy
By Caroline kahonzi
Leaders and locals in Kwale County are applauding the move by President William Samoei Ruto to appoint former Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime.
Ms. Hawaa Abdul Salim says that Mvurya will bridge existing gaps within the mining sector and will ensure communities benefit from mineral deposits within their counties.
“As you know there is an issue of royalties, 70 percent goes to the National government, 20 percent to the county governments and 10 percent only to the locals, The 10 percent barely benefits the Locals ,This is an area we hope our Cabinet Minister will look into ,” Said Ms. Salim.
However, she expressed belief that more women will be included in the mining sector.
On her part, Ms Gladys Reuben Mwakisha urged Minister Mvurya to ensure that investors in the Mining sector adhere to the Kenyan laws so as to protect workers’ rights.
“We believe our minister will prioritize the health of the locals who live on the outskirts of the mining areas,we also want Cs Mvurya to address the issue of compensation to the locals by investors within the mining sector, we believe in his performance because for 10 years as our governor he delivered per excellence ,” Says Ms. Mwakisha.
Kwale political activist Richard Onsongo has expressed his hope for more job opportunities for the youth in the Country and more so in Kwale County especially within the mining and Maritime sectors.
“Since Dr. Ruto has become president, we are hopeful that CS Salim Muvrya will also be president someday, and we know he will do a good job, there are many children who have completed maritime degrees and we are hopeful of job opportunities for them, fisheries is our source of income at the coastal region and we believe Minister Mvurya will improve that sector,” ‘Posed Mr. Onsongo.
Mr. Onsongo has mentioned the delay in royalty’s disbursement as a key challenge affecting the economy of Kwale County.
“Base titanium has benefited a lot from our resources but locals around and the county government of kwale are yet to receive their shares , so we want The New Minister to ensure proper regulations that will ensure prompt disbursement of royalties by the mining companies to benefit our people ,”Added Mr.Onsongo.
Kwale County Deputy Governor Josphat Chirema Kombo alongside with various Kwale leaders have expressed optimism in abilities of CS Mvurya and thanked President William Ruto for also appointing Tourism Minister Penina Malonza.
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