In a heartfelt appeal to small-scale miners in Kenya, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has emphasized the benefits of joining forces through mining marketing cooperatives. Addressing the gathering in Osiri village, Nyatike, Migori County, she highlighted this collaborative approach as the most effective way for the government to provide assistance to those working in the mining sector.
Highlighting the stark contrast between the years of hard labor under challenging conditions and the minimal impact on their socioeconomic status, Pastor Dorcas pointed out the need for change. During the event, where she initiated the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, she detailed the program’s goal to facilitate the issuance of mining licenses and permits across Kenya’s 47 counties, specifically targeting artisanal miners in cooperatives.
Moreover, Pastor Dorcas addressed the community at Osiri Primary School, stressing the importance of education over mining work for children. She urged parents to prioritize their children’s educational attainment to ensure a brighter future, cautioning against the dangers of child labor in mines. As a token of her visit, she distributed essential safety equipment, such as helmets and reflective jackets, to select miners and also presented a new vehicle to Migori County’s Department of Mining.
Her message was clear: investing in education is paramount for the next generation, far surpassing any temporary gains from manual labor in mines.
