Kenya-US rare earths deal challenged in court over secrecy

A multibillion-dollar rare earth minerals deal between Kenya and the United States is facing legal challenges in Kenyan court over allegations of secrecy and lack of public consultation. The Centre for Litigation Trust filed a lawsuit demanding transparency and parliamentary approval for the agreement, which involves mining Mrima Hill, a forest with valuable niobium and rare earth element deposits. The court ordered the Kenyan government to respond within 14 days, with a hearing scheduled for July 21.