For years, this corner of Turkana County was known for little more than scattered manyattas, harsh terrain and long journeys between settlements. The discovery and expansion of gold mining activities have sparked an economic surge that is turning once-quiet villages into busy commercial centres. Artisan miners search for gold in Turkana, where mining has become a major source of income for many local families. “We want communities to have a voice in decisions that affect them,” Turkana County Chief Officer for Mining Triza Amoni said during recent public engagement meetings. The county is also preparing to host the Turkana Gold Summit and Minerals Expo later this year, an event expected to focus on responsible mining, governance and investment.