Switch from agriculture to mining, Taita women urged

Women in Taita-Taveta have been urged to get into the more rewarding mining industry and not dwell on agriculture.

Taita-Taveta County Woman Representative Joyce Lay and Governor John Mruttu have called on women not to give in to intimidation from players in the male-dominated sector.

According to Mrs Lay, rain-fed agriculture has often failed farmers, and time has come for women to diversify their income avenues.

Recently, the county government, in collaboration with the Tsavo Minerals Organisation, held an exhibition to expose small-scale miners to potential buyers, as a way of creating an organised market for them.

At the event, Mrs Lay said the display of high-value gemstones was proof that Taita-Taveta had enough resources to sustain the needs of its people, but that there was a need for legislation to eliminate cartels.

At the same time, Mrs Lay warned that investors who violate women’s rights would be dealt with.

“We have pushed for the arrest and prosecution of a woman investor who has been frisking her female workers in their private parts to ascertain they haven’t stolen gemstones,” she said. “We will make an example out of her.”

Voi MP Jones Mlolwa, speaking at the same function, encouraged small-scale miners to desist from trading with middlemen as they would only exploit them.

Meanwhile, Governor Mruttu said his government had bought two compressors to aid in mining. Taita-Taveta has deposits of sapphire, tsavorite, tourmaline, green garnets and rubies, among other minerals.