Seven Chinese nationals have been sentenced to 18 months in prison or ordered to pay hefty fines after pleading guilty to illegal mining and immigration offenses in West Pokot County, Kenya.
The individuals — Wang Youping, Xian Zhenming, He Zhouming, Wang Xiaodong, Zhao Zhenwei, Guan Qiang, and Deng Chun — appeared before Kapenguria Principal Magistrate Nelly Kenei, where they admitted to engaging in unlicensed mining activities along the Wei-Wei River in Sigor, Pokot Central Sub-County.
Each was fined KSh3 million for illegal mining and an additional KSh400,000 for operating without the necessary work permits. Two of them, Xian and Deng, received further fines of KSh200,000 each for being unlawfully present in the country without proper immigration documentation. If the fines are not paid, each faces up to one year in prison per offence, with Xian and Deng facing an extra six months.
Their conviction follows a February 12, 2025, crackdown led by the Mining Investigations Unit and officials from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs. The operation uncovered ongoing unauthorized mining at the site, where several pieces of equipment and vehicles were also seized.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), mineral samples from the site tested positive for quartz. The court was also told that none of the accused held valid mining licences.
After confirming the charges and facts of the case, the court issued the sentences and directed that all seven individuals be deported after serving their terms or paying their fines.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the Kenyan government to curb illegal mining and enforce immigration laws, particularly in mineral-rich areas vulnerable to exploitation.
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