According to a Regional Mining Officer in Kenya, foreign companies are prospecting for and processing gold without proper licensing and work permits. In Vihaga County, these companies are also allegedly posing as artisanal miners to avoid paying taxes. Indeed, in August 2023, six Chinese nationals were charged with operating Kitigu Resource Limited, a gold processing factory, without a proper license, for engaging in employment without a valid work permit, and for failing to apply for personal identification numbers to the Kenya Revenue Authority.