Shanta Gold has officially broken ground on a massive resettlement project in Gem Yala, constructing model houses for over 1,280 households set to be displaced by the upcoming Ramula open-pit gold mine.

The project, which has been granted a commercial license, is racing toward a June 2026 commencement date.

During a high-level site assessment led by Siaya County Commissioner Jara Komora, officials inspected the first wave of “model houses” intended for the community’s most vulnerable members.

“These houses are a priority for project-affected persons (PAPs) who are currently at risk,” said Komora.

He noted that the open-pit operation will impact eight villages across Gem Yala and Gem Wagai sub-counties.

To ease the transition, the company has confirmed it will provide disturbance allowances to all affected families.

Shanta Gold’s lead geologist, Austine Ochieng, emphasized that the new homes are built to international IFC (International Finance Corporation) standards.

“We shall not deviate from global benchmarks,” Ochieng stated. “PAPs will have the final say on where they feel most comfortable resettling.”

However, the “international standard” has already met local skepticism. Jotham Obiero, a 78-year-old resident, voiced concerns that the new structures do not match the scale or comfort of his current ancestral home.

“I have seen the houses, but for me, this is still a step down. We must reach an amicable understanding before I move,” he remarked.

Beyond the quality of the buildings, the relocation has sparked a unique social conflict in host villages like Mabinju.

Current residents, led by Evans Otieno and Teddy Obonyo, are demanding a formal security vetting of the newcomers.

“We are demanding to know the backgrounds of everyone being moved into our midst,” Otieno said, citing fears of “social misfits” or individuals who might become a nuisance after spending their relocation payouts.

The residents are now calling for a public baraza (community meeting) to ensure a smooth and safe social integration.

The Ramula project is part of a wider West Kenya gold district estimated to hold over 1.6 million ounces of gold.

While the government has hailed it as a transformative investment for Siaya and Vihiga counties, the success of the June 2026 launch now hinges on the company’s ability to navigate these complex land and social disputes.