For years, Kishushe has been known for one thing — rich iron ore deposits that have attracted investors from across the country. But behind the dust of mining trucks and the promise of wealth lies a growing storm: the Kishushe Ranch Mining Dispute, a conflict that is now demanding national attention.This week, the Kishushe Ranching Cooperative Society issued a strong statement addressing the Ministry of Mining, specifically calling on CS Ali Hassan Joho to intervene. Their message was firm: “The community will not surrender its land rights to illegal mining activities.”
Illegal Consents at the Heart of the Kishushe Ranch Mining Dispute
The committee stated that several investors in the mining sector — especially in iron ore — have received illegal consents to operate in Kishushe Ranch.
According to them, these documents were approved without consulting landowners, a move they describe as unlawful and disrespectful to communal land governance.They insist that no ministry or investor can bypass landowners and still expect legitimacy.
Attempts to Regularise Illegal Documents
One of the biggest triggers of the Kishushe Ranch Mining Dispute is the allegation that the Ministry recently attempted to regularise these illegal consents instead of cancelling them.To the committee, this is an unacceptable betrayal.They argue that validating illegal documents invites corruption, abuse of power, and long-term exploitation of community land.
Obstruction of Legitimate Investors
Ironically, while illegal players enter the land with ease, legitimate investors who obtained proper permissions are allegedly being blocked or delayed.The community believes that selective obstruction is being used to benefit certain companies while sidelining others, further deepening the mining dispute.
Illegal Appearances in the Cadastre Map
The cadastre — Kenya’s digital land record system — is supposed to protect communities from land grabbing.
But the ranch committee says that several illegal investors have appeared in the cadastre, despite lacking approvals.This, they argue, compromises land security and creates loopholes for fraud.
Conflict of Interest Claims: The Devki Steel Mills Question
Devki Steel Mills, a major iron ore player in the region, was also mentioned in the committee’s statement.
They allege a possible conflict of interest involving the company’s operations, approvals, and relationship with the Ministry.The committee says the community wants transparency—not hostility.
Where Kishushe Ranch Stands
The ranch leadership declared that the community has one unified position:
- No mining will continue on the land without proper, lawful consents.
- All illegal approvals must be revoked.
- The Ministry of Mining must take responsibility and act impartially.
They emphasized that Kishushe Ranch is not anti-investment — it is pro-fairness, pro-law, and pro-community rights.
Committee’s Demand to the Ministry
In the heart of the Kishushe Ranch Mining Dispute, the committee issued several demands:
- Immediate cancellation of all illegal consents.
- Removal of illegal investors from the cadastre.
- Protection of landowners’ rights.
- A meeting with CS Ali Hassan Joho to address the crisis transparently.
They insist that dialogue is possible — but only if the law is respected first.
Kishushe Ranch Commitment
Despite the tension, the ranch maintains its commitment to lawful mining, community development, and responsible investment.
Their message is clear:
Kishushe is open for mining, but not for exploitation.
Reflection
Land is more than soil — it is memory, heritage, and future.
The conflict at Kishushe reminds Kenya that development must never silence the rightful owners of the land.As a local proverb says:
“A house built on stolen ground cannot stand.”
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