A UK-based women outfit the Association of Women Miners has feted three Kenyan women over their role in the mining industry.
The three Kenyan women, Miriam Wairimu, Elizabeth Kyallo and Melba Wasunna were among 100 women from 60 different nations across the world to be feted.
Kyallo and Wasunna work with Base Titanium in Kwale while Wairimu is the founder of Mimp Gems Traders.
There were 1,100 nominations for some 626 women working at 356 mining companies on 60 different countries.
“The 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining publication is a living history of women who work in mining and highlights the wealth of female talent within the global mining industry, celebrates their “above & beyond” contributions to the industry, and identifies role models for future generations,” said WIM UK chair Carole Cable.
The 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining (WIM100) recognises women who have done exemplary work in the extractive industry across the world.
At Base Titanium, Kyallo heads the port and shipping departments while her colleague Wasunna is the External Affairs manager for the mining firm.
Wairimu narrated that she never thought she would end up in the mining industry.
A geologist by profession, she first worked for an American gem dealer as a receptionist and tea girl which is where she learned about gemstones.
She saved up her salary and got some lessons on how to trade in gemstones and 17 years later, she is a big name in the country.
According to the Standard, she has been certified as a diamond and gemstones expert which entails identification, cutting and marketing.