Construction of the Lidambitsa Gold Refinery in Ikolomani, Kakamega County, has entered an advanced stage, with the facility expected to transform Kenya’s gold sector by increasing local processing and value addition.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the refinery, a flagship project of the Ministry of Mining, is expected to become Kenya’s first modern gold refinery built to international standards.
Omollo said the facility would play a critical role in helping the country derive greater value from its mineral resources instead of relying on the export of unprocessed minerals.
“A transformative chapter is unfolding in Kakamega County with the construction of the Lidambitsa Gold Refinery in Ikolomani Sub-county, a flagship Ministry of Mining project that is now at an advanced stage of development,” Omollo said.
Once operational, the refinery is expected to provide a structured and transparent market for artisanal and small-scale miners, giving them access to fair prices while reducing their reliance on informal brokers.
The facility will also process other minerals found alongside gold deposits, including silver, copper, zinc and other base metals.
Omollo said the expanded processing capacity would strengthen Kenya’s participation in the regional minerals value chain and position the country as a potential hub for mineral refining and trade in East Africa.
The expansive complex includes a processing plant, laboratory, administration block, secure storage facilities, a power house, staff accommodation, cafeteria, clubhouse, helipad and a police post.
The project is expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate businesses in the surrounding communities and increase government revenues from the mining sector once fully operational.
The Lidambitsa Gold Refinery in Ikolomani, Kakamega County/HANDOUT
Omollo said the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration would continue supporting the project through coordination and security oversight.
He said the security component would be critical in creating a safe and regulated environment for mineral trading while protecting legitimate miners and investors.
“This will be vital in combating mineral-related fraud, illegal trading networks and other illicit activities that undermine legitimate miners and investors, thereby safeguarding the integrity and long-term growth of the sector,” Omollo said.
The refinery is also expected to serve miners and mineral traders beyond Kenya, opening the possibility of attracting mineral processing and trading activities from across the East African region.
Government officials say the project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen local mineral processing, promote value addition and ensure communities benefit more directly from Kenya’s natural resources.
