GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 4262

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 MINING RIGHTS FOR COLTAN AND OTHER MINERALS AT KIRITIRI IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA Project Background The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, has identified several minerals as Strategic Minerals. Columbite and Tantalum, Coltan are some of the minerals categorised as Strategic. To commercialise these resources, the Government intends to award the mineral rights over the area through 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 search for strategic minerals like coltan; important for electronics, aerospace, and high-tech industries, has made geological mapping and exploration increasingly important. Columbite and 27th March, 2026 THE KENYA GAZETTE tantalum make coltan ore and are important components in strengthening steel and enhancing its performance at low temperatures. Capacitors in electronics are made from coltan ore as well. With the growing demand for these minerals, expanding electronics markets, advancements in aerospace, and the renewable energy sector, Kenya's recent classification of coltan as a strategic/energy transition mineral has made it a key hub for exploration. This decision by the government aims to boost the economy and position Kenya in the global supply chain, reflecting a worldwide effort to find new sources of these minerals. In an attempt to understand the distribution of this mineral in the area, a detailed geological study and exploration in the Kiritiri- Kiambere area, located in Mbeere South, Embu County was undertaken. The study aimed to analyze the geological characteristics, distribution patterns, and economic potential of coltan deposits in this region. Through this exploration, the country seeks to assess the potential of Kenya's mineral wealth to contribute to the global supply chain. offering valuable insights for future exploration strategies and market positioning amid Kenya's ambitious endeavors to harness its strategic mineral resources. The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs recently completed a nationwide airborne geophysical survey and now holds the latest radiometric and magnetic data over the project area. The data and resulting grids serve as the primary geophysical information for the winning bidder to conduct detailed exploration of the area. Project Location, Geological Setting and Estimates Location: The project is situated in Embu County within the following coordinates 0°32′ 33.81’’S, 37°44′ 30.59’’E to 0°48′ 50.62’’S, 37°44′ 30.59’’E and covering an area of approximately 189.0500 km². Geological Setting: The area is covered by mobile Neo-Proterozoic Mozambiquan Belt, characterized by the widespread presence of plagioclase amphibolites and hornblende gneisses. The area hosts an assortment of calcareous rocks, gneisses, and schists, which have undergone transformations through granitization. Within the study area, columbite and tantalum are found together in pegmatite bodies, quartz veins and also as alluvial deposits in the stream sediments. Resource Estimates: the current study was not sufficient to produce figures that would define a resource or a reserve; however, sufficient data exist to support the widespread occurrence of coltan in this area. This is further supported by continuous artisanal mining of coltan that has taken place in this area for a long time. Accessibility: Kiritiri in Embu County is centrally placed. Accessible from capital Nairobi through Nairobi–Meru Road and also through Nairobi–Kitui Road through the Seven Forks Dams Road. Coordinates Point Latitude (DMS) Direction Longitude (DMS) Direction 1 0° 32′ 33.81″ S 37° 44′ 30.59″ E 2 0° 32′ 33.81″ S 37° 49′ 54.31″ E 3 0° 48′ 50.62″ S 37° 49′ 54.31″ E 4 0° 48′ 50.62″ S 37° 44′ 30.59″ 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 Kiritiri 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 coltan 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. (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 endorsement 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:- 1294 1294 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR COLTAN AND OTHER MINERALS WITHIN KIRITIRI, EMBU 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.