Five containers seized at Mombasa port transporting illegal copper
In a statement on X, Mining CS Hassan Joho noted that the containers had a false declaration that the copper was being transported to China

Five containers transporting illegally mined copper have been seized at the port of Mombasa.
This was revealed today by the Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs CS revealed the containers were seized by the newly formed Mining police unit.
In a statement on X, Joho noted that the containers had a false declaration that the copper was being transported to China adding that there is a crackdown to curb illicit exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
“There is an ongoing crackdown aimed at curbing the illicit exploitation of mineral resources is gaining significant momentum. The revamped Mining Investigation Unit seized five containers at the Port of Mombasa, with false declaration of their contents. Investigations reveal that the containers containing carrying copper, which were transported by road from Nairobi to Mombasa, were intended for export to China,” Joho said.
Joho pointed out that copper is a high-value strategic resource and illegal mining denies Kenya Revenue that is needed for national development.
The CS issued a stern warning to illegal miners adding that they will face the law.
“We are sending out a clear and strong message to illegal miners, dealers, and their accomplices that these illegal activities will face the full force of the law,” He warned.
This comes weeks after Joho unveiled the Mining Police Unit to curb illegal exploration and mining of minerals across Kenya.
The unit which is under the Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs is headed by former Kilimani DCIO Fatuma Ali and is mandated to pursue miners, prospectors, and dealers violating the mining laws and regulations.