Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has revealed that Kenya is now home to significant deposits of coltan, a precious mineral crucial for the production of electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and gaming consoles.

The discovery spans six counties, including Embu, marking a pivotal moment for the nation's mining sector.

While speaking at Embu County headquarters, Mvurya officially confirmed the presence of coltan in Kenya and highlighted the government's commitment to assessing its economic value.

This breakthrough positions Kenya as a potential mineral exporter, diversifying its economic portfolio.

"It is now official. We have coltan deposits in the country, and we want to see how we can inspire investors," Mvurya declared, emphasizing the government's intention to attract investment in the burgeoning coltan mining industry.

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Expressing determination to invigorate the mining sector, the CS outlined plans to employ more workers for mineral exploration across the identified counties.

According to Mvurya, a total of 970 mineral occurrences have been documented throughout the country, signalling a significant opportunity for growth.

"Kenya is on the brink of becoming a key player in the global coltan market. We are committed to making our mining industry more vibrant for the benefit of the nation," Mvurya stated.

The government's proactive approach includes the decentralization of laboratories to counties for efficient mineral testing.

This initiative aims to expedite the assessment of mineral quality, laying the groundwork for the imminent commencement of mining activities.

"We shall be setting up laboratory services in eight regions where we shall be testing samples and declaring the quality of minerals found in a particular region," explained  Mvurya, underscoring the importance of streamlined testing procedures.

With the discovery of coltan deposits, Kenya is poised to leverage its newfound resources, creating economic opportunities and reinforcing its position in the global minerals market.

As the government focuses on attracting investors and optimizing the mining industry, the nation looks forward to a promising future as a key player in the production of essential electronic components.