Government Sets Stage to Revive Turkana Oil Production Under New Investor

By KNA

Plans to restart oil production in Turkana County have gained fresh momentum after the government, in partnership with a new investor — Gulf Energy — held two days of intensive public participation forums with local residents.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, together with East African Affairs and ASALs Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, led high-level government officials in a series of meetings across Lodwar, Lokichar, Lokori, and Nakukulas. 

The forums were aimed at informing residents about the government’s renewed strategy to revive oil exploration and production in the region.

The sessions were attended by local leaders, including Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus, Turkana East MP Nicholas Ng’ikor, Turkana South MP Dr. John Ariko, and several Members of the County Assembly.

Residents took the opportunity to voice their expectations and concerns ahead of the project’s revival. Key issues raised included land compensation, access to water, equitable revenue sharing, and job opportunities for locals.

CS Wandayi expressed optimism in Gulf Energy’s capacity to deliver on the project after the exit of former operator Tullow Oil Plc. He affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring oil transportation begins before the end of next year.

“The government is keen to revive this project so that Turkana residents and the entire nation can start reaping the benefits of oil production,” said Wandayi during a meeting in Lokori, Turkana East Sub-county.

CS Askul urged residents to welcome investors and maintain unity for the success of the project, emphasizing that local divisions could undermine development gains.

On revenue sharing, Wandayi assured residents that the existing law adequately provides for equitable distribution, with 75 percent of oil revenue going to the national government, 20 percent to the county government, and 5 percent to the host community.

Turkana East MP Nicholas Ng’ikor called for urgent improvement of infrastructure, particularly roads, to facilitate oil transportation from the fields.

The revival of oil production in Turkana is expected to inject new economic life into the region and position Kenya as a key player in the East African energy sector.