Seven Chinese nationals have been sentenced to one and a half years in prison or pay a fine of Sh3.6 million each over charges of illegal mining in West Pokot.

They were also found to be unlawfully present in the country.

The accused, Wang Youping, Xian Zhenming, He Zhouming, Wang Xiaodong, Zhao Zhenwei, Guan Qiang, and Deng Chun were convicted after pleading guilty before Kapenguria Principal Magistrate Nelly Kenei.

They pleaded guilty to criminal charges relating to illegal mining activities  along the Wei-Wei River in Sigor, Pokot Central Sub-County.

According to evidence presented in court by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the seven were arrested on February 12, 2025, during a joint operation conducted by the Mining Investigations Unit and officials from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.

The operation uncovered ongoing unlicensed mining activities at the site. 

Detectives also recovered several machines and vehicles used in the operations and confirmed that the accused lacked valid mining licences.

Further investigations by the DPP established that two of the accused, Xian Zhenming and Deng Chun, were in the country without work permits or alien registration.

Mineral samples collected from the site tested positive for quartz.

Following the presentation of these facts in court, the seven foreigners confirmed the details to be true, leading to their conviction.

Magistrate Kenei fined each of the seven Sh3 million for illegal mining and an additional Sh400,000 for working without permits, or serve one year in prison for each offence.

In addition, Xian and Deng were fined Sh200,000 for unlawful presence in the country, or serve a further six months in prison if they fail to pay.

The court also ordered that all the accused be repatriated upon completion of their sentences.

 All sentences are to run consecutively.