Gold Rush Vihiga: How Vihiga is Turning Small-Scale Mining into a Safer, Modern Industry

A quiet transformation is underway in the gold-rich belts of Lugaga-Wamuluma and Chambiti/chanda in Vihiga County. What was once a risky, informal hustle defined by unsafe pits and hazardous chemicals is steadily evolving into a structured, safer, and more profitable sector.

At the heart of this change is the introduction of mercury-free gold extraction technology. Through the Planet GOLD Kenya project at Chambiti, artisanal and small-scale miners are now being trained at a modern demonstration center designed to eliminate the use of toxic mercury. This shift not only protects miners' health but also safeguards the environment, marking a major step toward sustainable mining practices in the region.

Formalization and Government Partnership

Beyond technology, efforts to formalize the sector are gaining momentum. The county government is working closely with the Vihiga Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Association to register miners and create a comprehensive database. This initiative is opening doors for miners to access better equipment, financial support, and regulated markets—transforming what was once survival-driven digging into a recognized economic activity.

The Ikolomani Gold Refinery Connection

The impact of these reforms is expected to extend beyond Vihiga. In neighboring Ikolomani, the Kenya Gold Refinery is nearing completion, standing at about 65% as of late 2025 and projected to be fully operational by May 2026. Once complete, the refinery will provide a reliable processing hub for gold from Vihiga's artisanal miners, reducing dependence on middlemen and increasing earnings for local producers.

"Gold mining in Vihiga is no longer just about digging for survival—it is becoming a sustainable, organized industry with the potential to uplift entire communities."

A Sustainable Future

Together, these developments signal a new era. The combination of mercury-free technology, government registration programs, and access to formal processing facilities is creating a viable pathway for artisanal miners to operate legally, safely, and profitably. For the thousands of families dependent on small-scale mining in Vihiga, this transformation represents hope for a more stable and prosperous future.