Cottage Industries in Kakamega
Rosterman Gold Mine: The Failed Eldorado
Kakamega district had been envisaged as Kenya’s most cardinal gold found. Since 1931, when production of alluvial gold commenced, to be followed soon after by the exploitation of vein deposits, some three and a half million pounds worth of gold were recovered, making up more than half the total output in pre-colonial Kenya. Again, more than half of that value of gold was produced at Rosterman.
The Kakamega Gold Rush of the 1930s saw a rapid influx of fortune seekers to the region. It was partly ‘ignited’ by the mineral report by the reputed geologist Albert Ernest. The promise of wealth forever altered the life expectations of the investors and local miners, who earnestly bank rolled mining, and remains one of the great historical episodes in Kenya. Rosterman, a colonial company that mined here in the 1930s, was among the large global names to join in the Kakamega Gold Rush.
During the ‘gold-rush’, large concessions were given to Rosternman Mines at the southern region of Kakamega Forest – on either side of the main Isecheno-Ikuywa Road, including some at Isecheno. As the same time, wanton massive logging in Kakamega Forest began in 1933 in response to the market dynamics created by the emerging gold mining industry. The Kakamega gold rush peaked in the mid-1930s, but was soon subdued and shelved by the Second World War. It never fully recovered hitherto. Little exploration was done, despite the expectations.
Nearly a century later, the residual open-cast mines are now operated by locals using only the simple and outmoded ‘sieving and ball-mill’ method. The main mines in Kakamega County, at Bukura, Sigalagala and Rosterman, collectively cover an area of nearly 64 km2. Apart from artisanal miners eking a living from abandoned pits, fraught with danger, the Rosterman mine are considered a failed eldorado. The ruins of this substantial colonial-era gold mine inside the fenced compound tells a tale of a once-lucrative venture that also grew Kakamega town.
Apart from being a source of income for local and national economy, gold mining may be responsible for several environmentally harmful effects, including tailing waste dumping, soil erosion, landscape deterioration and land pollution. During artisanal gold mining, gold is manually extracted from open pits using hand tools, dried and then crushed. The often tailing toxic wastes are then dumped without proper regulations which may pose radionuclides that are harmful to human life.
Cottage industries play a vital role in Kenya’s economy, particularly in rural areas where they provide employment and preserve traditional skills. These small-scale, home-based enterprises are diverse and contribute significantly to local economies. Cottage industries In Kenya are diverse and integral to the cultural and economic fabric. For the travellers, these offer colourful and friendly markets.
Index of Cottage Industries in Kenya
Embu County - Ancient Mbeere Terraces, Kakamega County - Ilesi Pottery Centre, Rosterman Mines, Kisii County - Tabaka Soapstone, Kwale County - Lima Self Help Group, Lamu County - Matondoni Boat Workshop, Manda Coral Mining, Machakos County - The Masaku Flea & Curio Market, Wamunyu Handicraft Society, Makueni County - Makueni Fruit Plant, Makindu Handicrafts, Migori County - Macalder Mines, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus Curio, The Bombolulu Workshop, Akamba Handicraft Society, Nairobi County - Masai Market, Utamaduni Craft Centre, Narok County - Kikoy Market, Vihiga County - Kichutu Gold Mine, Givavei Artisans, Obida Ombima Mill, Wajir County - Wajir Livestock Market, West Pokot County - Alale Gold Mines
Kakamega County remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s cultural and ecological diversity, with its vibrant traditions, economic activities, and natural beauty making it a critical part of the nation’s heritage. Smack in the middle of Western Kenya, enjoying a temperate climate, Kakemega is both populous and vibrant.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Rosterman Gold Mines
A Guide to Kakamega County
A Summa Digest of Kakamega
About Kakamega Way Back When
30 Destinations in Kakamega County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south, east then west - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Mwikhupo Falls, Sidikho Falls, Kakamega Forest Ecosystem, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Mawe Tatu Hills, Kakamega National Reserve, Isukuti Guest House, Udo Bandas, Isiukhu Falls, Lirhanda Cave, Busambuli Lodge, Isecheno Nature Reserve, Kambiri Hill, Mukai Stone Cave, Savona Isle Resort, Rondo Retreat Centre, Yala Nature Reserve, Nandi Escarpment, Lamanis Haven, The Golf Hotel, Kakamega Sports Club, MMUST Botanical Garden, Muliro Gardens, Rosterman Gold Mines, Shilahi Garden, Ikhongo Murwi, Ilesi Pottery Centre, Malinya Stadium, Nabongo Cultural Centre, Hamptons City
Know More About Kakamega County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
The altitudes of Kakamega varies between 1,240 ms to 2,000 ms. The southern part of the county is rather hilly, and strewn with unique and rugged granite tors, rising in places to nearly 1,950 ms.
Temperatures range from 18oC and 29oC. January to March are the hottest while June to August are cold spells. The climate is equable over the county, with adequate and well distributed rainfall.
