Industries in Elgeyo Marakwet
Kenya Fluorspar Company: A Forlorn Dream
The story of fluorspar in Kerio started in the late 1960s, when an independent local mineral prospector, M Al-Amin, discovered rich fluorspar deposits in the Kerio Valley. When Al-Amin stumbled upon his find, he took the mineral (he thought it was a gemstone) to the Department of Geology for analysis. It was the only place with the mandate to examine and certify a mineral find. Indubitably, the fluorspar deposits, found in large quantities, were bent to be exploited.
“How he was swindled and pushed out is the untold story of fluorspar mining, and it explains how Kenya failed to build a local industry based on one man’s dreams” – NMG. Mining began in 1970, exploiting the boundless amount of fluorspar found here – which is Kenya’s second most abundant mineral after the soda ash trone at Magadi. Fluorspar, used in the manufacture of fluoride for cooling plants, was for decades mined in the 970- acre swathe of land, forming part of the riches of Kerio Valley basin. At its peak, the company exported over 106 000 tonnes of fluorspar before it scaled down its operations in 2014 before halting them in 2016 due to poor international market prices for the minerals.
Despite a good run, exporting about 14,000 tonnes of fluorspar each year, Kenya Fluorspar Company suspended its operations in February of 2016, citing higher costs of operation and loss of key markets in Asia and Europe. The closure rendered about 500 people jobless. Anyone with a liking for industrial gizmos and mine operations might want to swing by the plant to see the scale of their vast operations. Kenya Fluorspar Company is found 24 km from Nyaru, at Kimwarer.
outlook
Touring Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya offers a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes, it is also home to globally-famous long distance running exports. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the famous Kerio Valley Escarpment or venture into the Cherangani Hills for more challenging hikes.
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A Guide to Elgeyo Marakwet County
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44 Destinations in E. Marakwet County, arranged as one would visit these - west, south then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Home of Champions Art Center, Keiyo Gardens, High Altitude Training Camp, Kamariny Stadium, St. Patrick's High School, Bugar Forest, Iten Viewpoint, Lelin Campsite, Kerio View Hotel, Active Edge, Rimoi National Reserve, Kapkurmoi Cultural & Conservation, Kessup Falls, Kessup Forest, Kilima Resort, Tambach Museum, Kolol Viewpoint, Torok Falls, Biretwo Museum, Kerio River Lodge, Chebloch Gorge, Samich Resort, Kenya Fluorspar Company, Sego Safari Resort, Melwa Gorge, Kerio Valley, Elgeyo (Kerio) Escarpment, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Kureswo Hot Springs, Metkei Ridge, Chemonde Forest, Chebirara Falls, Mela Cave, Cherangani Hills, Teren River Bridge, Arror Dam, Chebara Dam, Embobut Forest, Wewo Catholic Church, The Foothills (Kipkunurr & Koisungur), Kipteberr Hill, Kiplagoch Caves, Ancient Marakwet Furrows
Know More About E. Marakwet County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
With a wide range in altitude, from 3350 ms asl., on the Cherangani Hills, to around 1000 metres asl., in the Kerio Valley. the temperature varies greatly with altitude, between 18oC – 26oC average maximum.
Elegyo Marakwet can be split into three agro-zones: A high altitude region of forest and moorland; The Cherangani mountains; And the lower set Kerio Escarpment and Valley.