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Ten miners are feared dead after a devastating collapse at the Hillo gold mine in Dabel, Marsabit County, on Tuesday. The incident occurred despite the closure of the mines earlier this year following a tragic clash over resource-sharing that claimed 13 lives.
Local authorities reported that seven bodies have been recovered from the site, and rescue operations are ongoing. Dabel Location Chief Ibrahim Dube confirmed the recovery of the bodies but said the operation continues as rescuers search for more victims.
A local resident, speaking to the press on the condition of anonymity, stated that 10 miners had entered the restricted area of the mine, bypassing security measures. “So far, there is no survivor. We fear that all 10 people are dead,” the resident shared.
Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau did not confirm the death toll, citing a lack of first-hand information. “I cannot confirm anything based on hearsay. I will provide full details once I am at the scene,” Kamau said, adding that he would update the public on the recovery efforts after reaching the mine site.
This tragedy comes just days after the government announced plans to reopen the mines for commercial mining. During a visit to Moyale on December 3, 2024, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Mining, Elijah Mwangi, revealed that mining operations would resume once new safety measures were put in place, including the backfilling of dangerous mine pits.
“We have instructed that all open mine pits be backfilled before mining activities resume,” Mwangi said, expressing concern over the previous environmental and safety issues. The earlier mine closure followed the deaths of 13 individuals who were involved in illegal mining activities. Backfilling work was scheduled to begin this week and will take about a month to complete.
The government’s plan to reopen the mines follows a series of consultations with local communities, miners, and government officials. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed, establishing guidelines for more transparent and sustainable mining practices. Under the agreement, each artisanal mining group will be allocated up to 5 square kilometers of mining land, and they will be required to obtain permits for commercial operations.
A key element of the new plan includes strict regulations to combat illegal mining activities, which had drawn thousands of foreign nationals into the area. Before the closure, Hillo mines were overcrowded, with nearly 70,000 miners, 80% of whom were believed to be illegal immigrants from countries such as Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Nigeria.
Mwangi emphasized that the government would deploy geologists to assist miners in developing recommended shafts and that gold ore processors and buyers must register with the Mining Office. Those failing to comply face severe penalties, including five-year jail terms or fines of up to Sh10 million.
To ensure security at the mines, a special police unit will be deployed to monitor the sites, and local communities will be given priority in employment and mining rights.
The tragedy at Hillo underscores the pressing need for a balanced approach to mining in Marsabit, where safety, sustainability, and local empowerment are paramount as the government works to formalize the sector.
