Geita. A total of Sh51.42 billion was disbursed as loans to 127 small-scale miners across the country between July 2024 and March 2025, the government has revealed.
The funds were provided by various financial institutions as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to capital for miners registered under different groups.
This was disclosed on Saturday, July 6, 2025, by the Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, during the official closing of a skills development training for 467 small-scale miners.
The training was jointly organised by the Prime Minister’s Office – Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability – in collaboration with the Ministry of Minerals.
Dr Kiruswa said the government under the Sixth Phase Administration remains committed to empowering small-scale miners by equipping them with the necessary skills to improve productivity, safety, and efficiency in their operations.
“The government recognises and values the contribution of small-scale miners, who account for 40 percent of domestic mineral revenue,” Dr Kiruswa said.
“We will continue to build their capacity in all aspects, including the provision of work equipment where needed.”
The Assistant Director in the Department of Employment and Skills Development at the Prime Minister’s Office, Ms Alana Nchimbi, said that since the inception of the National Skills Development Programme in 2016, the government has invested Sh111.3 billion, benefitting a total of 157,909 individuals.
She added that for the 2024/25 financial year, the government allocated Sh10.8 billion to implement the programme, reaching 10,786 beneficiaries, including 479 small-scale miners from Geita Region.
For his part, the Chairman of Small-Scale Miners in Geita Region, Mr Titus Kabuo, commended the government for its continued engagement with miners through skills development training.
“The efforts by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Minerals reflect a genuine commitment to empowering miners to operate professionally,” he said.
The one-week training brought together more than 200 miners from various parts of Geita Region.
Participants received both theoretical and practical training on best practices in mineral exploration and mining, proper use of equipment and chemicals, environmental conservation, and occupational health and safety.
