Construction of the Lidambitsa Gold Refinery in Ikolomani, Kakamega County, has reached an advanced stage, according to Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.
The facility, being developed under the Ministry of Mining, is expected to support local mineral processing and value addition once it becomes operational.
Omollo noted that the refinery is designed to provide a structured market for artisanal and small-scale miners, allowing them to sell their gold through formal channels and access fairer prices while reducing reliance on informal brokers.
Lidambitsa Gold Refinery in Ikolomani. Photo: Courtesy.
The facility will also process other minerals associated with gold deposits, including silver, copper, zinc and other base metals.
The expansive complex includes a mineral processing plant, laboratory, administration block, secure storage facilities, power house, staff accommodation, cafeteria, clubhouse, helipad and a police post.
According to Omollo, the refinery is expected to serve both Kenya and the wider East African region, with the potential to create employment, support businesses in the surrounding area and increase government revenues from the mining sector.
The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is supporting the project through security coordination and oversight.
Omollo noted that the security component would help establish a regulated environment for mineral trading while addressing illegal activities associated with the sector.
The measures are also expected to support efforts to curb mineral-related fraud, illegal trading networks and other activities that undermine legitimate miners and investors.
The development comes as Kenya seeks to increase the value derived from its mineral resources by processing them locally instead of exporting raw minerals.
Once completed and operational, the Lidambitsa facility is expected to play a role in formalising mineral trading in the region and strengthening Kenya’s participation in the East African minerals value chain.
