The Paradox of Gold Mining in Gem Constituency, Siaya County-Kenya (1920-2025)

Gem constituency is one of the six constituencies in Siaya County. The terrain of the land is well drained, and this has advantage settlement leading to favorable population density by the natives. The fauna and flora of the area is attractive and adoptable for human settlement hence leading human attraction. The historical evidence has shown Gem to be one of the most adoptable land in Nyanza. When the Mill Hill Fathers arrived in Nyanza, they settled in Allor mission which was the first settlement area in Gem 1913. The arrival of the missionaries led to an increase in the number of visitors in the area. This made the British settlers to send prospectors to search for Gold in the area. They started gold rush in places like Ramula in East Gem, Rera in South Gem, Panyako in South Gem, North Gem, Central Gem and West Gem. The mining collapsing and most site had to close afterwards due to the interference of the Second World War and the economic depression of the Second World War. There were effort to sustain the mining activity, however the whole mining activity declined drastically in 1963 due to independence. Immediately after independent, more focus was based on the practice and process of making decisions through representation in national assembly. It involved the use of power, authority, and influence to govern or manage public affairs. Historically, politics limited human activities and was not only part of modern government. It affected development in all parts of society and slowed economic growth in Gem. Mining activities were faced with new policies which did not allow unlicensed person to practice mining. At the same time Section 210 of the constitution (Chief Act) mandated the provincial administrators to arrest and prosecute the small scale miners. These miners were treated as smugglers by the authority. The only person who could sign the permit for small scale miners were the Provincial environmental office under the supervision of the Provincial commissioner. However, the 2010 constitution, opened a window for accessing the permit through the ministry of mining. This has attracted the most resent emergence of small scale miners in Gem which have affected the area positively and negatively. This study investigated both positive and negative implication of gold mining in areas like; Bar-kalare, Uranga, Sirodha, Ramula, Rera, Wambusa, Kaudha Odendo and Wangbith. The study also gives recommendations to the relevant authorities in regard to positive trajectory towards gold mining in the region.

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