Kenya's proposed Commercial Explosives Bill, 2026 seeks to tighten regulation of commercial explosives through stricter licensing, enhanced safety standards and stronger oversight of mining operations. The reforms are expected to affect artisanal gold miners in Kakamega by improving mine safety while increasing compliance requirements. The Bill complements the Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to boost benefits for counties and host communities as the government pursues plans for a gold refinery in Kakamega.
The government’s proposed Commercial Explosives Bill, 2026, is set to introduce sweeping reforms in Kenya’s mining sector by tightening the regulation of commercial explosives, strengthening safety standards and improving oversight of mining operations.
The Bill seeks to replace the outdated Explosives Act by introducing stricter licensing requirements, including annual licence renewals for miners and operators. The government says the reforms are aimed at reducing mining accidents, protecting the environment and ensuring communities living near mining areas benefit more from the country’s mineral resources.
Speaking during a public participation forum in Kitui County, State Department for Mining and Blue Economy Director Abel Chumba said the ministry is keen on collecting views from all stakeholders before the Bill is tabled in Parliament.
“We are receiving all the concerns, whether manually or through digital platforms. We have given the public about one and a half weeks to submit their views, and the deadline is July 15.”
Chumba said the ministry expects further scrutiny of the Bill once it reaches Parliament.
“After we conclude this exercise, we will hand the Bill over to Parliament, where there will be another round of public participation. Parliament may make changes, but we believe the key proposals we have incorporated will remain in the final law.”
He said the proposed legislation is intended to strengthen regulation of commercial explosives while promoting responsible and sustainable mining.
If passed, the law is expected to have a major impact on thousands of artisanal miners extract gold in Kenya and parts of Kakamega such as in Ikolomani, Shinyalu and surrounding areas.
Mining experts say stricter control of explosives could reduce fatal mine collapses, improve safety during blasting operations and minimise environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining activities.
The reforms are also expected to improve accountability among mining operators and provide greater protection for communities living near mining sites.
However, the proposed law is likely to increase compliance requirements for artisanal miners. Annual licence renewals and stricter regulatory standards could raise operating costs for small-scale miners, requiring many informal operators to formalise their activities.
The proposed reforms complement the recently passed Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to increase the share of mining benefits accruing to counties and local communities.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula addresses congregants during a Sunday service at Friends Quakers Church, Amalemba, in Kakamega County.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said the legislation would ensure mineral wealth contributes more directly to local development.
“The mining taking place in Kakamega is important to the national economy, the county economy and the people. The Mining (Amendment) Bill will ensure that everyone benefits and feels empowered.”
Wetang’ula said the law provides a clearer framework for sharing mining royalties between the national government, counties and host communities.
“I urge the county government to closely follow the progress of this legislation because it clearly outlines the royalties and responsibilities that will directly benefit Kakamega County and grassroots communities.”
He said Kakamega’s status as one of Kenya’s leading gold-producing counties presents an opportunity to strengthen its local economy.
“If Kakamega is the gold capital of Kenya, the county should be generating revenue for the national government, while at the same time benefiting from its own mineral resources instead of relying entirely on allocations from the national government.”
Wetang’ula also revealed that the government is pursuing plans to establish a gold refinery in Kakamega to promote value addition instead of exporting raw minerals.
“We are committed to establishing modern gold refining factories in Kakamega to enable value addition, improve livelihoods and create more employment and business opportunities for our people.”
The Ministry of Mining has urged miners, mining associations, industry stakeholders and members of the public to submit their views before the July 15 deadline, after which the proposed Commercial Explosives Bill will be presented to Parliament for debate and consideration.
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