Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has moved to quell the rising political temperature in Kwale, assuring local leaders that the multi-billion shilling rare earth deposits at Mrima Hills have not been secretly handed over to foreign investors.

The Mrima Hills site is considered one of the world's top deposits of niobium and rare earth minerals, elements critical for the global tech industry. Rumors of a clandestine deal had sparked anxiety among the local community, who fear displacement and environmental degradation without reaping the economic benefits.

"Nothing About You Without You"

Meeting with the Kwale County Assembly, Joho brought his signature coastal charm and firm assurances. "There is no deal signed in a dark room," the CS declared. "The wealth of Kwale belongs first to the people of Kwale. Any investor who comes here must pass through the front door, and that door is the County Assembly."

Joho’s intervention is seen as a strategic move to secure his base. As a potential future kingpin of the Coast, he cannot afford a scandal involving the exploitation of local resources.

• The Prize: The deposits are valued in the trillions of shillings. Properly managed, they could transform Kwale from a tourism hub to an industrial powerhouse. Mismanaged, they could become a curse.
• Environmental Concerns: Mrima Hill is also a sacred forest and a biodiversity hotspot. Activists have warned that open-cast mining could destroy the ecosystem. Joho promised strict environmental impact assessments before a single shovel hits the ground.

The Balancing Act

The CS is walking a tightrope between the national government’s need for revenue and the local community’s demand for equity. For now, the assurance has lowered the temperature. But as the world clamors for rare earth metals, the pressure on Mrima Hills will only grow. Joho’s promise is on the record; the people of Kwale will be watching to see if he keeps it.