12 May 2019

Kenyan Parliamentary Committee on Powers and Privileges head of delegation, Mr Vincent Mogaka has said it is critical for his country to come up with laws that will compel the government to take charge of mining as that would improve the standard and quality of life of the people of Kenya.

Speaking during a tour of Jwaneng mine recently, Mr Mogaka said he intended to table a motion seeking to emulate the mining sector of Botswana to ensure the people of Kenya benefit extensively from the mining industry.

Mr Mogaka, who is also Member of Parliament for West Mugirango in Kenya, hailed Botswana’s mining sector noting that the experiences they acquired would benefit the people of country in numerous ways.

He said the implementation of the mining practices they learnt would ensure all-inclusiveness in mineral beneficiation rather than individuals.
Mr Mogaka noted that the mining sector in Botswana is different from that of Kenya, noting that the Botswana government has a significant ownership of the mining giant Debswana - a 50/50 partnership between the government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group that ensured the government earned a significant proportion of the revenues from mining, while in

Kenya it is mainly for the private sector.

He said he learnt that Debswana’s corporate social responsibility is one of the many ways Debswana has cemented its place as a company that espouses care and moral duty towards Batswana.

He noted that Debswana social investments are selected in order to create a legacy of prosperity, sustainability and community empowerment, adding such an investment would touch the lives of many Batswana.

He said he was humbled by the warm reception of the Botswana Parliament as well as Debswana and the friendliness of the people, pointing out that the environment was suitable for investment.

The Committee on Members’ Rights, Interests and Privileges chairperson Mr Haskins Nkaigwa said the forum was a platform for networking and sharing ideas that had potential to change the economic landscape of the two countries.

Mr Nkaigwa who is also MP for Gaborone North said the delegation visited the mine because they wanted to see the precious stone that Botswana prides itself with, adding amenities and tuition fees were achieved through diamonds.

Member of Parliament for Jwaneng/Mabutsane Mr Shawn Ntlhaile was optimistic that the delegation’s visit would be of great value and that they would appreciate the precious commodity.

He said the proceeds from the mine were shared amongst Batswana in an all-inclusive approach through the government budgeting system.

Mr Ntlhaile said it was a great opportunity for the delegation to benchmark as Debswana manages the asset for Batswana applying the world’s best practices.

He thus challenged other companies emulate Debswana, as it improves the lives of the communities through Corporate Social Responsibility projects.

He said Corporate Social Responsibility should not be voluntary, but rather should be legislated to ensure that it is not only Debswana that contributes to improving the lives of people and developments in their areas of operation.

Mr Ntlhaile said Debswana contributed significantly in its 80 kilometre radius area of influence, which goes beyond the host, Jwaneng-Mabutsane constituency, thus enriching the nation.

He commended the mining company for not just focusing on core business, but also going the extra mile to preserve the flora and fauna.

He shared that Jwaneng mine is one of the richest mines in the world not only in volumes of production but also by value.

The Kenyan, delegation that comprised of five members of parliament and three staff members, were on a week-long benchmarking exercise in Botswana to heighten the mining industry in their native country. ENDS