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Team set up to draft policy on soapstone
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- Published on Monday, 04 June 2007 01:36
The Government has formed a committee to draft a policy paper on soapstone mining in Kisii. Trade minister Dr Mukhisa Kituyi said the committee comprises officers from the ministries of Trade, Tourism, and Natural Resources."The team will carry out studies on the stones, interview carvers and mine owners and extract some of the stones for further analytical tests to see if other undiscovered minerals are contained in the soapstone," he said.
The team has also been mandated to research on how residue from the mines could be used, including the possibility of the dust being processed into paints.
Kituyi said the Government was working on ways to ensure that middlemen do not exploit soapstone miners and carvers. He said the ministry would help Kenyans access their soapstone products to the world markets.
He said middlemen, some from foreign countries, had invaded Tabaka soapstone mines, where they buy the unique mineral at throwaway prices and sell it at exorbitant rates on world markets.
"My ministry will find out rates at world markets and have them applied here at the site," Kituyi said while touring the mines last Tuesday.
"At world trade fares soapstone carvings attract huge markets which pay handsomely. I am surprised that indigenous owners have not been exposed to the lucrative markets."
He said the Government would publicise the Tabaka soapstone mines as tourist attraction sites. Mr Omingo Magara, the South Mugirango MP, said the Government had failed to protect local entrepreneurs from undue competition.
"Despite the potential market out there, middlemen have made a fortune out of our people due to inadequate protection and marketing guidance from the Government," said Magara.
Mr David Nalo, the Trade ministry Permanent Secretary, and Mr Samuel Rotich, the Gucha District Commissioner, accompanied Kituyi.
