Story perspectives

Kenya Reviews U.S. and China Bids for Mrima Hill

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 6:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kenya is reviewing U.S. and Chinese bids for development rights at Mrima Hill mineral deposit.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met President William Ruto at the UN to discuss critical minerals.
Kenya’s March tender lists six bidders, including two Chinese firms and two U.S.-led consortiums.
Local Digo people consider Mrima Hill a sacred Kaya and fear mining will damage shrines, wildlife, livelihoods.

History

Historical Context

Kenya’s 2016 Mining Act modernized rules for foreign concessions in a sector that contributes under 1% of GDP, after the Ministry of Mining—formed in 2013—revoked dozens of dubious licences and imposed a 2019 moratorium, then lifted a four-year freeze in April 2024. That legacy drives U.S. officials and Chinese firms to vie for the Mrima Hill project, prompting Digo community protests over sacred-site damage.

1 of 2

Story summary

Kenya is reviewing U.S. and Chinese bids for development rights at Mrima Hill mineral deposit.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met President William Ruto at the UN to discuss critical minerals.
Kenya’s March tender lists six bidders, including two Chinese firms and two U.S.-led consortiums.
Local Digo people consider Mrima Hill a sacred Kaya and fear mining will damage shrines, wildlife, livelihoods.

1 / 2