Assessment of natural radioactivity and radiological risks in soil from artisanal gold mining sites in West Pokot, Kenya

Artisanal gold mining in West Pokot, Kenya, thrives due to rising global demand and accessibility, attracting local and regional stakeholders. Despite its economic significance, miners face radiation exposure from natural radioactive elements, yet awareness of these health risks remains low. This study aims to assess radioactivity in soil in order to understand the radiological risks associated with artisanal gold mining. The activity concentrations in thirty-two soil samples were measured using gamma-ray spectrometry. The results obtained for 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K show average concentrations of 29 ± 6, 30 ± 10, and 516 ± 70 Bq kg -1 respectively. The results of radioecological hazards: radium equivalent, external hazard, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent, annual gonadal equivalent dose, and excess lifetime cancer risks were determined to be 110 ± 19 Bq kg -1 , 0.30 ± 0.05, 0.38 ± 0.07, 53 ± 12 nGy h -1 , 0.06 ± 0.01 mSv y -1 , 375 ± 59 μSv y -1 , and 0.23 ± 0.05 respectively, all below the threshold limits, except for annual gonadal equivalent dose. The low levels of radionuclides indicate a minimal risk of radiation exposure. These results can help shape artisanal mining regulations by aligning them with national standards, worker education and routine radiation monitoring.