Kwale Residents Stare At Job Losses As Base Titanium Closes Minefields In Preparation For 2024 Exit

• Base Titanium announced that it will close its mining operations in Kenya after exploration activities in Kwale County revealed lower mineral grades
• The company recognises the loss of jobs and has increased counselling programmes to enable employees to accept the situation
• The company has been a key contributor to community development, supporting the construction of schools, hospitals, roads, and water projects

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, leverages more than three years of expertise in financial, business, and technology research, providing insights into both Kenyan and global economic trends.

Base Titanium, a key player in the Kwale region mining sector, is set to close its ilmenite, rutile, and zircon mining operations in 2024.

The Australian-based company has been a cornerstone in the economic growth of Msambweni Constituency, creating jobs and contributing to community development.

As the company prepares to exit the Kenyan market in 2024, concerns rise about the impending job losses and the broader impact on the local community.

Job creation

Recently, Base Titanium celebrated about 250 workers who have been with the company for over ten years.

"Please join us in congratulating and celebrating 250 of our staff members for having worked with us for 10 years. From you, it has been a decade of dedication, passion, and loyalty," the company tweeted on X.

These employees are set to lose their jobs as the company is in the final stages of closing down its operations in Kenya.

“It is heartbreaking and has all of us employees on the edge (of our seats). We have, however, increased our counselling programmes to make sure those distressed seek services early enough and can accept the situation,” said External Affairs Manager Simon Wall, ten as reported by Business Daily.

Impact on the community

The impact of Base Titanium's departure extends beyond the workforce, affecting the broader communities in Kwale County.

The company has been a key contributor to community development, supporting the construction of schools, hospitals, roads, and water projects.

Concerns arise about the continuity of community projects and the fate of pupils under scholarship programmes sponsored by the company.

Looming job cuts

In a previous report, TUKO.co.ke reported a list of companies that were planning to layoff employees, among them Base Titanium;

The Postal Corporation of Kenya, commonly referred to as Posta, plans to fire 504 employees in February 2024 as it restructures its monthly payroll.

A survey by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) revealed that 26.3% of Kenyan chief executive officers (CEOs) plan to cut jobs before January 2024.