Kenya to Regulate Salt Industry After Court Rules Salt Is a Mineral

Kenya is preparing to introduce a new regulatory framework for the salt industry after the Court of Appeal ruled that salt is a mineral under the Mining Act, 2016, a decision that places the sector under the supervision of the Ministry of Mining.

Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai announced on Tuesday, July 7, that the ministry has already begun consultations with industry stakeholders to pave the way for implementation of the landmark judgment.

“Following the recent landmark Court of Appeal ruling affirming that salt is a mineral under the Mining Act, 2016, and that the salt industry is to be regulated within the framework of the Act, I today met with leaders from the salt sector to discuss the way forward,” he wrote.

According to Kimtai, discussions focused on how the ruling will affect the industry, the transition to the new regulatory system, and ways to ensure collaboration between the government and salt producers.

“Our engagement focused on the implications of the judgment, the transition to the new regulatory framework, and the importance of fostering a collaborative partnership between Government and industry,” he added.

The Ministry of Mining says it intends to implement the court’s decision through a consultative process aimed at promoting investor confidence while ensuring compliance with the law.

“As we implement the Court’s decision, our priority is to ensure a transparent, predictable, and consultative approach that supports investment, regulatory compliance, sustainable resource management, and the continued growth of the sector,” he concluded.

The ruling represents a major shift for Kenya’s salt industry, which will now operate under mining regulations, potentially affecting licensing, compliance requirements, environmental management, and long-term investment in the sector.

Government Moves to Support Local Rice Farmers

The mining announcement comes just a week after the Ministry of Agriculture unveiled a major initiative to purchase more than 70,000 bags of locally produced Mwea rice in an effort to strengthen domestic food production and provide farmers with a reliable market.

The programme brings together the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC), the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), and the Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Cooperative Society (MRGM).

Acting AFA Director General Calistus Kundu said the government’s priority is to ensure farmers can consistently sell their produce while reducing Kenya’s dependence on imported rice.

KNTC Managing Director Lucy Anangwe said deliveries will continue until mid-August before the rice is distributed to public institutions across the country.

“We are here to assess the situation on the ground and reassure farmers that the Government remains committed to supporting the marketing of locally produced rice. KNTC is fully committed to mopping up the rice produced by farmers,” Anangwe said.

Officials said the MRGM Cooperative Society currently holds more than 30,000 bags of rice, with another 25,000 bags expected from the ongoing third crop season. Self-help groups have an additional 15,000 bags, bringing the total targeted under the programme to more than 70,000 bags.

To speed up deliveries, KNTC and the cooperative have agreed to transport at least two truckloads of rice daily. The milling facility will also introduce a third production shift, increasing daily milling capacity to 56 tonnes while creating additional employment opportunities.

The twin government initiatives signal a broader strategy to strengthen Kenya’s mining and agricultural sectors by improving regulation, supporting local production, attracting investment, and enhancing long-term economic growth.

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