Did a goat herder's lucky $200 nugget spark a gold rush in western Kenya?
Prospectors have come to West Pokot county in the hope a gram of the precious metal can change their lives.
In western Kenya, a goat herder's chance discovery of a golden nugget has sparked a gold rush, transforming a remote area into a bustling mining hub. Manasse Lomachar, a 33-year-old herder, found the 3-gram nugget while searching for a lost goat, selling it for $280. This led to an influx of miners, estimated at 10,000 at its peak, drawn by the potential to transform their lives.
Local authorities estimate the size of the deposit is small, with individual finds ranging from a few hundred shillings to $600. Despite the excitement, living conditions are harsh, with makeshift camps and inadequate infrastructure. The influx has also strained local services and raised concerns over health and safety, particularly for women. While some miners have found success, the long-term viability of the deposit remains uncertain.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
