Mining conflicts and corporate social responsibility in Kenya’s nascent mining Industry: a call for Legislation

Abstract

Much of the debate in Africa with regard to mining has been on the question on whether or not mining is good for development. While some scholars agree that mining is indeed good for development, others have argued that the structural constraints found in many developing nations render mining almost untenable. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been suggested as one of the ways through which the difficulties associated with mining can be ameliorated. However, CSR activities in developing countries, especially in Africa, have had a questionable reputation. Many view the few programs rolled out under this program as having done little in meeting the needs of the affected mining communities. CSR in Kenya’s mining industry has, on its part, received very little atten- tion. This work reviews mining conflicts in Africa and examines how CSR can assuage mining community disaffection over mining projects.