Hundreds jobless as fluorspar firm shuts down

“The closure is a major blow to our employment opportunities. The transport companies are unlikely to hire drivers due to lack of business,” said driver Joseph Kiptoo.

The move has, however, reopened a dispute between the company and some community members who have been demanding compensation following displacement from their farms.

The community has taken the matter to court. But the company maintains that it leases the land from the government under the Mining Act.

“Kenya Fluorspar does not own the land where it operates. We were not involved in the acquisition of the land 30 years ago and we have no mandate or legal authority over it,” Mr Spangenberg said.