Former presidential candidate Mohamed Abduba Dida has questioned why Kenyans are wallowing in poverty in spite of the country being blessed by precious minerals.
In a tweet on Friday, Dida said some years ago Titanium and Niobium reserves were discovered in the coastal region, and that mining had started.
He wondered what became of the discovery, and why Kenyans are yet to benefit from the same.
"A few years ago, it was discovered that Kenya had Titanium and Niobium reserves in the Coast region, approximated to be worth over 10 trillion. Mining had even started. What became of it? Why are Kenyans wallowing in poverty? he posed.
The precious minerals were discovered at the coast in 2017.
According to a report by Standard, the Titanium and Niobium were said to be worth 9 trillion shillings.
"We will endeavor to keep a close watch on exploitation of mineral resources on behalf of Kenyans, in the hope that if they are well protected, then our people can benefit from them. We are aware some miners have had licenses for over 20 years with minimum returns," President Kenyatta told members of the Chamber of Mines at a past event at State House, Nairobi.