GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 4260

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by regulation 6 (1) (a) of the Mining (Award of Mineral Rights by Tender) Regulations, 2017 the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs advertises the following tender: - REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR LARGE SCALE MINERAL RIGHTS OF COPPER AT KAMACABI IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA Project Background The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, has designated several minerals as Strategic Minerals. Copper is one of these minerals categorised as strategic. To commercialize this resource, the government plans to award mineral rights in the area via a public tender process, in accordance with the Mining Act (Cap. 306) and the Mining (Award of Mineral Rights by Tender) Regulations, 2017. Upon issuance of the Mineral Right (Prospecting Licence), the project proponent will be expected to adhere to the provisions of the Mining Act and its attendant regulations. Project Overview The metamorphic rocks of the area formed in the Neoproterozoic era with mineralogical composition resulting from regional plastic deformation and granitization from pre-existing sedimentary rocks of highly varying classes. Varieties of gabbros, norites, bojites and pyroxenites and their derivatives form the bulk of the basic intrusive rocks documented in the area. The chemical and mineralogical profiles of the basic-ultrabasic rocks are highly varied with hypersthene, olivine, plagioclase and hornblende generally being the dominant constituent minerals. Hornblendite, pyroxenite, peridotites, dolerites and diorites have been documented as common basic intrusive associated with the metamorphic rocks. Both malachite and azurite copper mineralization were observed in the biotite gneiss. The gneisses are coarse grained, composed majorly of quartz, feldspars and biotite. Copper mineralization in pegmatites are also a common occurrence in the area. The pegmatites vary in composition and texture but in general are all granitic, coarse grained with the main mineral constituents being feldspars and quartz. Lastly, copper occurs in dykes which are medium to coarse grained with a general composition of quartz, feldspars and biotite. The dykes occur both concordant and discordant to the biotite gneiss that host them. The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs recently concluded a nationwide airborne geophysical survey and is in custody of the latest radiometric and magnetic data over the project area. The data and resultant grids form primary geophysical information for the winning bidder in undertaking detailed exploration over the area. Project Location, Geological Setting and Estimates Location: The project is situated in Tharaka Nithi County within the following coordinates 0°03′ 12’’N, 38°02′ 05’’E to 0°04′ 57’’S, 38°09′ 50’’E and covering an area of approximately 196.2800 km². Geological Setting: Copper mineralization in this area is found in three forms namely: the biotite schists, pegmatites and within dykes. Both malachite and azurite copper mineralization are found in the biotite gneiss. The pegmatites that bear copper vary in composition and texture but in general are all granitic, coarse grained with the main mineral constituents being feldspars and quartz. Lastly, copper occur in dykes which are medium to coarse grained with a general composition of quartz, feldspars and biotite. The dykes occur both concordant and discordant to the biotite gneiss that host them. Resource Estimates: XRF results has shown copper concentrations ranging from about 1-31% across the areas covering Kamacabi, Gatue, Kiamiramba and Maragwa. Additionally, AAS results from Maragwa showed a chalcopyrite copper ore with abundance ranging from 2.6- 19.5%. A NW-SE trending low mag anomaly approximately 200 meters long and 70 meters wide is observed in the far-right section of the area suspected to host the copper mineralization. Accessibility: The area is accessible through Nairobi-Meru Road and branching off at Embu- Ishiara road. Meru – Marimanti Road equally leads to the study area. Coordinates Point Latitude (DMS) Direction Longitude (DMS) Direction 1 0° 3′ 12″ N 38° 02′ 05″ E 2 0° 2′ 28″ N 38° 10′ 59″ E 3 0° 4′ 57″ S 38° 09′ 50″ E 4 0° 4′ 42″ S 38° 02′ 44″ E Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 14 (1) and 223 (2) (e) of the Mining Act (Cap. 306) and 2017 Regulations; award of mineral rights by tender, the Government of Kenya is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from suitably qualified mining operators to commercialize the Kamacabi mineral deposits. Qualifying Criteria Firms expressing interest will be required to possess the following key qualifications:- (i) Vast experience in exploration and mining for specialty minerals such as copper in global jurisdictions. (ii) Verifiable financial resources to undertake detailed exploration and mine development. (iii) Skilled, experienced and proven technical team of experts in exploration and mining. (iv) Experienced management team with a track record of successfully executed similar projects. (v) Robust corporate governance framework. (vi) Portfolio of past underground and surface rock engineering expertise. (vii) Demonstrable execution of similar projects in fragile ecosystems. (viii) Ability to design and commission start to end on-site processing and beneficiation plant: Ability to process the minerals locally and contribute significantly to global supply chains. (ix) Commitment to sustainability practices, including the adoption and use of green and renewable energy. (x) Environmental Responsibility: commitment to implementing measurable interventions to minimize environmental impact, such as land rehabilitation and water management. (xi) Community Engagement: Working closely with local communities to ensure social and economic benefits are shared. 27th March, 2026 THE KENYA GAZETTE (xii) Have clear understanding of Kenya laws on free carry interest, FCI and State involvement on strategic minerals. (xiii) Membership to regional or global group organisations that encourage equitable and responsible mining. COST OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Bidders are expected to fully acquaint themselves with the conditions, requirements and specifications of this EOI before submitting responses. Each bidder assumes all risks for resource commitment and expenses, direct or indirect, of EOI preparation and participation throughout the EOI process. The Ministry will not be responsible directly or indirectly for any costs incurred by Companies in submitting their EOI. Additional Terms and Conditions Any information and/or documents supplied to the Ministry, at any time before this request, shall not be considered in evaluating this proposal, and consequently, companies shall not make any reference to such information and or documents in their response to this request. An omission to disclose material information, a factual inaccuracy, and/or a misrepresentation of fact may result in the disqualification of a response, or cancellation of any subsequent award. Disclaimer This EOI is an expression of interest only and not an offer document; responses arising from this EOI must not be construed as acceptance of an offer or imply the existence of a contract between the parties. By submission of the EOI, Companies shall be deemed to have satisfied themselves with, and to have accepted all Terms & Conditions of this EOI. The Ministry makes no representation, warranty, assurance, guarantee or endorsements to any bidder concerning the EOI, whether with regard to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise and the Ministry shall have no liability towards bidding companies or any other party in connection therewith. Applicants can get more information from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, State Department for Mining, at the address below during official working hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). One (1) original and five (5) copies of the completed bid document and accompanying documents must be submitted in plain, sealed envelopes to the address below by 5 p.m. on 17th April, 2026, East Africa Time. The envelopes should be marked as follows:- EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR COPPER AT KAMACABI IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA And be submitted in the Tender Box on the Second Floor of the address below or the Office of the Director, Supply Chain Management on the same floor. The Principal Secretary, State Department for Mining, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Work Building, Ngong Road, P.O. Box 30009–00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Email: ps@mining.go.ke Dated the 24th March, 2026. HASSAN ALI JOHO, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.