State, NMG seal partnership to market mining sector

The State Department for Mining on Tuesday signed a strategic partnership with Nation Media Group (NMG) to boost Kenya’s mining sector and raise public awareness of mineral opportunities.

This comes as the government seeks to position the sector as a key driver of economic growth.

The agreement will support the upcoming Kenya Mining Conference and Expo 2026, an event expected to attract investors, policymakers and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.

The agreement was formalised during a meeting held at the Nation Centre in Nairobi on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, bringing together Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Mining Harry Kimtai and senior executives from Nation Media Group.

“As a media organisation, our role is to inform the public and support conversations that drive national development,” NMG’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Geoffrey Odundo, said.

The partnership centres on improving the visibility of Kenya’s mining industry through coordinated media coverage, stakeholder engagement and public communication initiatives aimed at attracting both local and international investment.

“Through this partnership with the State Department for Mining, we aim to provide credible, in-depth coverage that highlights Kenya’s mineral potential while fostering transparency, investment dialogue and public understanding of the sector,” Mr Odundo said.

Government officials say the sector has increasingly been identified as a key pillar in Kenya’s economic transformation agenda, particularly as the country seeks to diversify its sources of revenue and create new employment opportunities.

Recent reforms, including the Mining Act of 2016, which was explained to have expanded geological mapping and stronger regulatory frameworks, are helping position Kenya as an emerging destination for mineral investment.

“Kenya’s mining sector holds enormous potential, but unlocking that potential requires strong partnerships and clear communication,” CS Joho said.

Kenya hosts deposits of several strategic minerals, including lithium, copper, graphite, rare earth elements and gold. These mineral resources are said to have gained global attention as demand rises for materials used in clean energy technologies, battery manufacturing and advanced industrial processes.

“These mineral resources are gaining global attention as demand rises for materials used in clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing,” Mr Joho said.

Under the new partnership, Nation Media Group will support communication efforts surrounding mining developments and provide extensive coverage of sector milestones.

This will include reporting on policy reforms, highlighting exploration and development projects, and amplifying conversations between government institutions, investors and industry stakeholders.

“The mining sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by policy reforms, improved geological data and stronger regulatory frameworks. This partnership will help communicate those changes and highlight the opportunities that exist across the mineral value chain,” PS Kimtai said.

A key focus of the partnership will be promoting the Kenya Mining Conference and Expo 2026, which stakeholders say will provide a platform for dialogue between government, investors, mining companies and technical experts.

The conference is expected to showcase Kenya’s mineral potential while also encouraging partnerships in exploration, processing and value addition.

The collaboration is also expected to support dialogue between government institutions, private investors and communities living in mineral-rich areas.

“The partnership will also help raise awareness about the importance of responsible resource extraction and sustainable mineral development. The mining sector must grow in a way that balances economic benefits with environmental protection and social inclusion,” CS Joho added.

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