The economies of most developing countries, largely depends on a stable and abundant supply of mineral resources and affordable energy supply. Following an airborne radiometric survey in the country, by the Department of Mines and Geology, a number of radioactive anomalies were delineated, in areas such as Chesikaki, Masaba and Cheptais. However, ground follow up surveys have not been conducted to determine the spatial distribution and the extent of occurrence of these minerals to date. This study was conducted in Cheptais area of Mt. Elgon region, specifically, to determine thorium-232 and uranium-238 radioactivity levels and to estimate the radiological hazard indices associated with these radionuclides. The study also determined the elemental content distribution of other potential minerals for economic development and the associated radiation hazard indices. The radiometric survey was done using an ionizing radiation meter, RSKB-104 to measure gamma radiation field equivalent dose rate in the sampled areas. Five readings were recorded at each sampled site. A heat map was then generated from the radiometric measurements to show the variation of background radiation levels. In addition, a total of thirty-six (36) soil samples and seven (7) rock samples were evaluated for mineral elements contents, using AMPTEK Experimenters’ Kit Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer. Prior to measurements, these samples were crushed, homogenized and left to achieve secular equilibrium for approximately two months. The results of elemental content analysis indicate, two major constituents in the soil samples; potassium(K) and iron(Fe) recorded mean concentration 15,498 µg/g (1,972 µg/g – 289,800 µg/g) and 116,457 µg/g (236 µg/g – 37,166 µg/g), respectively. The other trace constituents include; manganese, copper, zinc, lead, uranium and thorium. From the activity concentration measurements, it was established that, 40K was the greatest contributor to radiation exposure with a mean activity concentration of 553 ± 11 Bq kg-1 (65.5%), 232Th and 238U at 215 Bq kg-1 (25.4%) and 76 Bq kg-1(9.1%), respectively and all, exceed the UNSCEAR global mean of 400, 30 and 35 Bq kg-1 respectively. The radium equivalent values ranged between 32 – 1401 Bq kg-1, with a mean of 425.91 Bq kg-1; which is significantly higher than the world average of 160 Bq kg-1 and the UNSCEAR permissible limit of 350 Bq kg1. In addition, associated radiation hazards indices; gamma radiation index, Iyr, the external

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