MINING Cabinet secretary Najib Balala has warned those involved in illegal mining and exportation of minerals to stop the trade.
He said powerful individuals are behind the illegal trade that has seen the continued exploitation of Kenya's minerals.
"The people doing this business are powerful. They have money to buy anyone," Balala said.
He spoke in Mombasa on Friday during the closure of the ninth Esri Eastern Africa User conference.
He said his ministry and other government departments intercepted 27 consignments of copper ore and gold scheduled for export through the Mombasa port.
Balala has since been summoned to appear in court for allegedly declining to release the confiscated seized minerals.
He said he will honour the court summons but will not stop fighting the cartels.
"These minerals belong to the people of Kenya and not Balala," the CS said.
He said his ministry will protect all minerals and ensure any mining activity is done according to the law.
"We are responsible of protecting the resources in this country and ensuring the law is followed. We cannot allow individuals to just come, take and export minerals from this country," Balala said.
"We want people who will comply with the law and people who are serious to invest in this country."
The CS said the Mining Bill will ensure minerals are used in the right way.
Balala said once the bill becomes law, the state, county government and communities in mining areas will share proceeds from minerals on a 70:20:10 ratio.
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