15 Dead in West Pokot Gold Mine Collapse as Rescue Efforts Continue

Fifteen people died after a gold mine collapsed in the Ramos area of Kacheliba Constituency, West Pokot County, on Thursday evening. The victims were part of a larger group working underground when the shaft gave way without warning.

Dozens of artisanal miners had entered the site that afternoon. Local accounts put the number inside at more than 60 when the collapse happened. The sudden cave-in buried workers beneath tonnes of rock and soil.

Rescue operations stretched into Friday. Teams from the Kenya Red Cross, local residents, and security officers dug through the rubble under difficult conditions. Several survivors were pulled out alive and taken to hospital with injuries. Officials said they still feared others remained trapped.

Scenes at the site were chaotic. Families gathered nearby, waiting for news. Some miners had left home that day in search of income and never returned. The atmosphere was marked by grief and anxiety as recovery work went on.

In response, county security officials and relevant departments immediately suspended all mining activities around Ramos. The move was intended both to protect ongoing rescue work and to prevent any further incidents while the ground remained unstable.

Artisanal gold mining is common in parts of West Pokot. Many residents rely on these small-scale operations for their livelihood, often using basic tools and working without formal engineering support or safety structures. Collapses have occurred in the region before.

Residents have called on the government to improve oversight. They want stronger safety rules and better monitoring of mining sites to reduce risks for those who depend on the pits for daily survival.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in informal mining zones across Kenya. Without proper shoring, ventilation, or structural assessment, narrow shafts remain vulnerable to sudden failure, especially after rain or heavy activity.

As of Friday afternoon, rescue teams continued their search. The final death toll could still change depending on what they find beneath the debris. Hospitals in the region were on alert for more injured miners.

This event comes amid broader questions about how best to balance economic needs in arid counties like West Pokot with basic worker protection. For now, the focus stays on recovering those still missing and supporting the affected families.