Japanese investors set sights on mineral-rich Kilifi County - KBC

A section of Japanese investors has set their sights on mineral-rich Kilifi County with the aim of investing in the areas mining sector.

Area residents have welcomed the move saying it will create job opportunities for the youth as well as further open up the region for additional foreign direct investments.

Kwale and Kilifi counties have vast mineral deposits whose exploitation could boost the region’s economy.

Estimates from Base Titanium show that Kilifi County has 10 times more titanium deposits than Kwale has in Mamburi area.

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Buoyed by Kilifi’s proximity to the Port of Mombasa, availability of ample affordable land and a youthful workforce has made the county a favourable destination for investment.

The latest entrant being Japanese based Smart Ecosystem that has identified mining and blue economy value chain as sectors for investment.

Investors are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Kilifi county government to fast track implementation within the next 30 days.

Mining report by mining firm Base Titanium states that Kilifi has approximately 1.4 billion tonnes of titanium.

The Vipingo, Mamburi and Sokoke area that has titanium deposits covers 450.7 kilometres in total.

Government has been embarking on aerial mapping of minerals to identify mineral deposits on land Indian Ocean.

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