Implications of the closure of fluorspar mining company on community livelihood in Keiyo South Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The establishment and existence of the Fluorspar Mining Company created direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local population. It also generated new prospects for starting new businesses and expanding existing ones, further contributing to poverty reduction and economic growth. However, the closure of mining activities within the mining area may have led to social and economic challenges for the local communities. These were widespread unemployment, poor nutrition, high crime rates, and increased dependency. The general objective was to investigate the implications of the closure of Fluorspar Mining Company on the community livelihood in Keiyo South Sub- County. The specific objectives included examine the effects of the closure on livelihood among the households, to analyze the livelihood strategies among households, and to assess the influence of closure on gender relations among households in Keiyo south sub-county Kenya. The study was informed by the theory of Redefinition of the situation. The study employed mixed approach design which entailed exploratory design and descriptive survey. The target population was all the households’ heads in the study area. The sample size was 254 respondents. Multistage sampling technique was used. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and observation, and focus group discussions as the main data collection tools. Quantitative data collected was analyzed in the form of frequencies and percentages and presented in the form of matrix tables, charts, and graphs. On the other hand, qualitative data was analyzed thematically based on the specific research objectives. The study results show that mining is a major propellant of economic activities in the study area by creating wealth, providing jobs, and stimulating business ventures for community members. Further, the closure of the company acted as a major economic setback to the community as a whole. The study findings also show that the majority 91(44.4%) of respondents earned an income of 4001-8000ksh while the minority 7(3.4%) earned an income of between 0-500kshs. The average income per month after closure was too low since their main source of income was lost, leaving them in despair. Furthermore, the closure of mining company led to change on income generating activities, roles and decision making among men and women. The study concluded that mining closure gradually depleted the mining community’s livelihood assets and resulted in the collapse of their livelihood sources. The closure affected the community’s nutrition, health, education, food security, water, shelter, levels of community participation, and personal safety. The study recommends that mining companies should develop a contingency plan to mitigate the potential socio-economic consequences of unexpected mine closure. Contingency plan will assist in building the community’s economic resilience. Communities and mineworkers should be involved in planning for company closure and all other matters that affect their livelihoods.