The new policy requires all mined gold to be refined in Kenya before sale through government-approved channels, with the Central Bank as the main buyer. Ruto announced this to capture more value from minerals, create jobs, and stop informal trade that drains economic benefits.
Supporters cheer the push for local industries, while critics worry about small-scale miners facing disrupted livelihoods without fair prices and strong refining capacity. The move aligns with trends in Ghana and Guinea, though timelines and details are still being finalized.
