Nairobi, Feb. 9 -- In the last two weeks, the Mining Department has made itself visible. A comprehensive mining status report has been publicised in the media, the presence of coltan mineral deposits in Embu County was officially announced, and a gold processing plant was promised in Kakamega.

Kenya has essentially lost about 10 years in implementing a mining strategy despite having developed a first-class mining legal, regulatory and institutional framework.

Mining is one of the three principal production sectors ( including agriculture and industrialisation) with a high potential for foreign direct investments (FDIs), increased exports, and the creation of rural jobs. I believe Kenya has as much mineral potential as any one of our nei...