The Directorate is headed by a Director Geological Survey and Geo-information Management. 

Functions of the Directorate of Geological Survey and Geo-information Management include: 

• Provide geosciences expertise, data and information on all matters related to geology and the development of minerals resources, 
• Undertake geological, geochemical, geophysical, seismological and hydro-geological surveys, investigations and mapping to define the character and distribution of the rocks and superficial deposits,
• Apply remote sensing in geological mapping and mineral exploration, 
• Determine the mineral potential of Kenya, 
• Conduct Geohazards mapping, geotechnical investigations and geo-environmental studies, Establish, operate and maintain National seismological Network (NSN) for monitoring seismic activity in Kenya and the region, 
• Undertake geological analysis and valuation, develop a national repository of geosciences databases and information through compilation, publication and dissemination of data and information on geology and mineral resources of Kenya and facilitate access to these by investors and the general public, promote private sector investment in mineral exploration by providing geological data, information and services to prospective investors,
• Provide geosciences expertise in evaluation of Prospecting and Mining Rights applications, 
• Provide support to the Director of Mines in relation to exercising regulatory and administration of mineral rights, undertake mineral rights audits and geological sampling and assays to validate mineral rights reports, and 
• Maintain laboratory, drill core library, library and records facilities as may be necessary for the discharge of the functions.

The Directorate is organized into three (3) Divisions namely: -

i) Geological Survey and Research

The division is responsible for planning and undertaking geological and structural mapping of the country.

The functions of the division are as follows:

• Undertake systematic geological mapping of Kenya both onshore and offshore areas,
• Apply GIS and Remote Sensing technology in geological mapping,
• Assess and provide data and information of the mineral potential of the country,
• Undertake research related to geological processes and tectonic activates,
• Map and document geotourism sites
• Provide cartographic services and
• Production and publication of geological maps and reports
• Geotechnical investigations for civil works and infrastructural developments.

ii) Geo-Information Management

The division is responsible for compilation, storage, maintenance, updating and dissemination of geosciences data and information.

The functions of the division are as follows:

• Geological data compilation processing and dissemination,
• Establishment of national geosciences data and information repository (Geodata Centre a Modern Geosciences Library, a National Drill Core Library and Rock and Mineral Samples Repository),
• Publication of technical journals on geology and mineral resources of Kenya
• Conducting technical dissemination forums.

iii)   Mineral Promotion and Marketing.

This division is responsible for the provision, through research, of relevant information that will enhance global competitiveness and attract new investment into the Kenya mineral industry. It also promotes mineral exploration opportunities in open exploration blocks. Geological and Geophysical data will be packaged and used for marketing of the country’s mineral potential to prospective investors at Local and International conferences and related industry fora.

The Directorate is headed by a Director of Mines with functions of the Directorate of Mines as follows: 

• Develop, implement and review policies, guidelines, strategies and standards related to the mines function;
• Promote effective and efficient management and the development of mineral resources, and the mining sector;
• Administer and regulate all prospecting, mining, transport and any dealings in minerals, including import and export of minerals in liaison with other relevant stakeholders;
• Monitor, evaluate, review and approve prospecting and mining programmes;
• Ensure compliance with conditions relating to Mineral Rights applications;
• Inspect and examine any premises where mineral dealings are being conducted;
• Provide information to the Mineral Rights Board (MRB) on mineral rights application;
• Provide secretariat services to the Mineral Rights Board (MRB);
• Provide mining related information to the public and other relevant stakeholders, subject to confidentiality restrictions;
• Generate reports and inventory on applications and status of mineral rights;
• Develop and disseminate information education communication material to sensitize the public on prospecting and mining operations;
• Oversee the implementation of the Explosive Act Cap 115.
• Inspect premises to ascertain best prospecting, mining and mineral processing practices including safety, health and environment conditions;
• Liaise with relevant authorities in seizing any article, vessel, motor vehicle, plant, equipment, substance that have been used contrary to the Mining Act, 2016, and 
• Liaise with relevant authorities to stop mining or processing activities that are hazardous and can cause a serious and imminent danger to life.

The Directorate is organized into five (5) Divisions namely: -

i. Licencing and Mineral Management

Deals with management of minerals and dealing rights using the online mining cadastre system. The function entails receiving and processing applications of prospecting and mining licences and permits on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary. The Mineral Rights Board reviews these applications and makes recommendations for their approval or rejection to the Cabinet Secretary. The Division also provides secretariat service to the Mineral Rights Board.

ii. Mines Inspectorate

This Division is responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcement of the Mining Act, 2016, and mining regulations in regard to performance of prospecting, mining operations and mineral dealings.

iii. Mineral Audit

The Division has the responsibility of verifying exports and local sales of minerals, assessing values of mineral sales, monitoring and enforcing remittance of mineral royalties and levies, assessing payable royalties and advising on mineral royalty sharing with the respective counties and mining communities.

iv. Explosives Inspectorate

The Division is responsible for implementing policy on mineral value addition, promoting value addition of minerals in order to enhance the market value through promotion and adoption of appropriate technologies, and piloting of Mineral Value Addition Centres for specific minerals that the country has advantage of. 

v. Value Addition

The Division is mandated with implementation of the Explosives Act, Cap115, and is responsible for regulating security and use of commercial explosives (blasting explosives and fireworks) including manufacture, sale, storage, transport and use of commercial explosives.

Support Services constitute common shared services which facilitate the operations of the technical function of the State Department.

Administration Division Functions:

• Administration
• Overall coordination of Ministry’s business;
• Ensuring provision of administrative support services;
• Monitoring contracted services;
• Development of standards and procedures for implementation of
• Quality management systems; responding to parliamentary business; co-ordination of official and State functions;
• Undertaking improvement works, repair works and maintenance of
• Government buildings and facilities in their areas of specialization
• Allocating office space, equipment, furniture and other office supplies;
• Making arrangements for inspection and insurance of motor vehicle;
• Overseeing management of assets and registry services;
• Transport management;
• Telephone services;
• Office accommodation;
• Mainstreaming gender issues and HIV/AIDS in work place;
• Overseeing ministerial events organization and executions;
• Management of drug and substance abuse in the work place;
• Ensuring maintenance of fire fighting equipment and first aid kit;
• Preparation of reports, speeches and briefs; and
• Anti-corruption eradication issues and controls.

Human Resource Management & Development Division

The functions of the Division entail:

• Staff Recruitment and selection under delegated powers;
• Promotion;
• mplement Public Service Commission decisions;
• mplement Ministerial Human Resource Management Advisory Committee decisions;
• Payroll Management;
• Complement Control/ IPPD;
• Staff Discipline;
• Pension/Gratuity matters;
• Management of Performance through Electronic Staff Performance Appraisal System (E-SPAS);
• Training and Development;
• Manage HR Records;
• Advice and oversee implementation of HR policies;
• Interpret HR Laws, Regulations, Rules and Policies;
• Coordinate Internship/Attachment programmes;
• Personnel Emolument Budget; and Staff welfare.

Accounts Division

The functions of the Division entail:-

• Ensure Asset registers are maintained by the State Department under their divisions;
• Provide advisory services to the Accounting Officer and other stakeholders on all financial and accounting matters;
• Ensure proper interpretation and implementation of financial regulations and procedures in accordance with the PFM Act of 2012 and accounting standards;
• Develop supplementary financial regulations and procedures to enhance internal controls established through normal Treasury regulations and procedures;
• Provide quality and timely accounting services which includes maintenance of accurate accounting records;
• Prepare management reports including imprest and expenditure returns;
• Participate and advice in Ministerial Committees especially tender, planning, audit, training, etc;
• Maintain an inventory of all bank accounts in the Accounting Unit and their approved signatories including districts;
• Facilitate payments within the ministry by ensuring that there is adequate cash to enable payments as and when they fall due;
• Prepare statutory financial statements;
• Safe custody of accountable documents;
• Attend Parliamentary Accounts Committee hearings and maintaining and implementing status matrix reports on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC); and
• Periodic review of accounting systems and recommending necessary changes.

Finance Division

The functions of the Division entail:-

• Process estimates for the program budget;
• Issuance of Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIE);
• Expenditure and revenue forecasts;
• Monitor Revenue and Expenditure;
• Prioritize projects and activities for the purpose of financial allocations in the budget;
• Oversight of commitment of funds and expenditure trends, in line with Treasury Circulars;
• Budget monitoring and reporting;
• Reallocations within Budgeted Heads and programmes and the overall financial management and control of voted funds; and
• Offer strategic leadership on all matters pertaining to financial management in the State Department

Central Planning and Project Monitoring Department

The functions of the Unit entail:-

• Coordinate economic planning function in the State Department;
• Provide informed advice on economic policy and planning matters;
• Undertake economic analysis;
• Monitor and Evaluate development projects and programmes;
• Co-ordinate strategic planning and performance contracting; and
• Performance review of economic activities to inform policy and budgetary processes.

Supply Chain Management Services Unit

The functions of the Unit entail:

• Ensure proper monitoring and implementation of Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015 and procurement regulations 2006, policies, guidelines and procedures issued from time to time by Directorate of Supply Chain Management; 
• Prepare professional opinion for Accounting Officer approval/rejection /deferment;
• Co-ordinate procurement of goods, works and services at the State department for Mining in consultation with the Accounting Officer;
• Coordinate preparation of tenders documents and advertisements;                                                                 
• Coordinate preparation of the Annual Work plan, consolidate Annual Procurement Plan and Disposal plan;
• Provide sport advice on all supplies Management and Operations to the Accounting Officer;
• Contract Management for works, goods and services;
• Responsible for the following function in IFMIS Procurement module, PO Supervisor, Procurement Plan 2nd Approver, PO Approver, Sourcing Approver;
• Oversee proper material management in the stores;
• Initiate annual stocktaking and Inventory;
• Supervise procurement officers in the State Department;
• Recommend officers for training to improve on their skills; and
• Recommend to Accounting Officer appointment of members of Ad hoc procurement committees in consultation with user departments.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) Unit

The functions of the Unit entail:-

• Implementation of ICT policies and strategies;
• Spearhead the implementation of the e-Government strategy;
• Manage, maintain and upgrade ICT systems and infrastructure;
• Train staff on ICT applications;
• Manage the State Department for Mining website and ICT networks;
• Ensure network security controls;
• Maintain of ICT hardware/equipment;
• Diagnose faults and repair of faults in computers and related accessories
• Development and monitoring of technical specifications for procurement of ICT goods and services and recommending disposal of unserviceable electronic equipment
• Provide technical support to Directorates/Divisions during the preparations of their respective annual budget.

Legal Unit

The functions of the Unit entail:

• Provide legal advice and related services in accordance with the legal and regulatory framework for best industry practices;
• Provide legal guidance for licensing;
• Negotiate, draft and ensure proper execution of legal documentation;
• Spearhead legal aspects of contractual management of mining agreements;
• Monitor and ensure compliance with legal obligations and regulatory requirements pertaining mining
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders on legal matters;
• Review mining legal documents in consultation with relevant stakeholders, where necessary;
• Keep safe custody of legal documents;
• Implement dispute resolution mechanisms including alternative dispute resolution.

Internal Audit

The functions of the division entail:-

• Plan, co-ordinate, organize and manage internal audit services;
• Appraise the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which finances and other resources are managed and utilized at the State Department;
• Conduct risk based value for money and systems audit aimed at strengthening internal control mechanisms that could have an impact with achievement of the strategic objectives of the State Department;
• Assist the Principal Secretary in establishing Audit Committee and provide secretariat services;
• Co-ordinate Institutional Risk Policy Framework agenda;
• Co-ordinate training, development and motivation of staff;
• Conduct investigations/special audits as maybe assigned by the Accounting Officer; and
• Advise the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary in the emerging issues in Internal Auditing.