Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho is facing criticism for reportedly issuing a prospecting license for niobium and rare earth minerals in Kwale to a foreign firm Altona Mining Limited without adequate public participation, violating constitutional requirements.

• The license, gazetted on March 6, covers land used for agriculture, settlement, and cultural practices.
• Former Cabinet Minister Charau Ali Mwakwere raised objections, citing a lack of public engagement, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), and disclosure of environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA).
• Mwakwere has called for the suspension of the application pending full compliance with legal and constitutional provisions, highlighting potential harm to community rights and the environment.