Gold Miner Transforms Lives of Kakamega Residents through Infrastructure Development

By Strilus Bellbut
In Kakamega County, particularly in Shinyalu Sub-County, Ikolomani, and Lurambi, many residents depend on small-scale gold mining to sustain their families.
Amid this backdrop, Andrew Likabo Lichoti, a gold miner from Khayega in Isukha South Ward, has taken a unique approach to improving his community.
Using the profits from his mining business, Likabo is spearheading road construction projects, creating jobs for unemployed youths while improving the area's infrastructure.
Speaking to Kakamega journalists during a site visit to inspect the ongoing construction of a 20-kilometer murram road that stretches from the Kakamega-Kisumu Highway through Buribuli to other parts of Shinyalu Sub-County, Likabo emphasized the link between mining and infrastructure development.
“As a miner, I understand the challenges that come with poor infrastructure. Roads are crucial for transporting goods and materials, whether it's farm produce to markets or mining equipment to sites. My goal is to ensure that roads in interior areas like Buribuli, Busakala, Shidodo, and others are passable. This will make it easier for our residents to conduct business and for boda boda riders to transport people and goods safely without the constant risk of accidents,” Likabo explained.
Likabo shared how mining profits have fueled these road projects.
“Mining is a demanding and expensive venture. Equipment such as shaking tables is costly, and improper handling of contaminants in ores can complicate the process of extracting gold using cyanide. Despite these challenges, I’ve chosen to reinvest my earnings into improving our roads because I’ve seen firsthand how better infrastructure benefits the entire community,” he said.
He also recounted a tragic incident that highlights the dire need for road repairs.
“Recently, while a mother was crossing a bridge on a motorbike heading to parts of Shirulu Sub-Location, they fell due to potholes and sustained serious injuries. Such incidents drive me to work even harder to improve our roads,” he added.
Hon. Andrew Likabo’s efforts have left many residents in Isukha South Ward in awe. Youths in particular are inspired by his willingness to use personal funds from his gold mining enterprise to address their needs. Fondly nicknamed Mache Mache, he has become a community hero.
“This kind of mining work is tedious, and equipment like shaking tables is expensive to acquire. On top of that, there are contaminants in ores that, if not properly managed, interfere with the extractability of gold. Despite these challenges, he still finds a way to support us. We should rally behind this Gen-Z visionary who recognizes the needs of youth and businesswomen,” a group of residents stated in unison.
For many locals, Likabo’s work symbolizes a direct connection between economic activity and development.
By using the proceeds from mining to fund infrastructure projects, he is addressing two major challenges in the community: unemployment and poor infrastructure.
Residents are now rallying behind him as a potential political leader capable of driving sustainable development in Isukha South Ward.