Woman dies after mining shaft collapses in Siaya

Siaya residents are calling on the police to address the issue of unsafe mining shafts following a tragic incident that claimed the life of a 36-year-old woman in Ramba ‘A’ village, North Rama, Rarieda Sub County.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday March 7, 2024 at around 10 am, involved the collapse of a gold mining shaft, burying two women, Roseline Adhiambo and Jane Akinyi, under the rubble.

Police report states that the two were rescued by the workers at the site.

According to Lucas Ochieng, mining companies and regulatory bodies need to ensure that safety protocols are strictly adhered to at all times, with increased oversight and enforcement of safety regulations.

“The urgent need for stricter regulations and improved safety measures will prevent deaths not only in Siaya but across the country,” he stated.

James Maroa underscored the importance of prioritizing worker safety and well-being in hazardous industries like mining, where workers face risks such as mine collapses, toxic gases, and accidents involving heavy machinery.

This is not the first time miners have died from the collapse of mineshafts in western parts of Kenya.

On December 18, 2023, three gold miners were reported dead in Migori County after they were buried by mining shafts at Kurutyange mines.

The miners died after the water pump they were using failed.

Four miners also lost their lives after gold mine shafts collapsed on them in February 2020 in Migori County.

The collapse of the Osiri mines left fifteen others sustaining injuries.