Leaders and residents of Turkana have raised concerns over the proposed commercial oil extraction in the region, questioning the lack of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before the project’s approval.
Speaking during a public engagement forum at Nakukulas and Lopii centres, Turkana East MP Nicholas Ngikolong said residents had not been adequately assured of their health and environmental safety. He stressed that an EIA is a critical requirement for any oil exploration or production activity.
“We need that report now, not later, so that we clearly understand the benefits of this project against the potential risks it may pose to our people,” said Ngikolong. He warned that without proper documentation, communities remain uncertain about the long-term impact of oil extraction on their land, water, and livelihoods.
Other leaders echoed his concerns, recalling negative experiences during the earlier oil exploration phase by Tullow Oil. Residents reported unexplained health problems, including respiratory illnesses, while some women experienced miscarriages. These claims continue to fuel mistrust and anxiety in the community.
Beyond health concerns, leaders emphasized the need for clear plans on project decommissioning. They warned that failure to restore land after oil production could severely disrupt pastoral livelihoods, the backbone of Turkana’s economy. They insisted any extractive activity must include legally binding commitments to rehabilitate the land once operations end.
The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) also faced criticism. Leaders urged the regulator to strictly enforce environmental safeguards, particularly regarding waste and effluent from oil wells. Residents recalled incidents where livestock reportedly died after drinking water suspected to be contaminated during earlier drilling activities, raising fears of long-term environmental damage. NEMA was also accused of failing to educate the community on environmental risks and enforcement measures.
Locals further called on the national government and Gulf Energy, the investor, to invest in social infrastructure as part of the project’s benefits to the community. They highlighted the urgent need for a modern Level Six hospital to address potential health challenges linked to oil production and to improve access to healthcare in the historically marginalized region.
Experts say that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not only a legal requirement but also essential for balancing economic growth with environmental protection and public health. The absence of transparency on the EIA, they warn, could increase community resistance and undermine Kenya’s oil development plans.
Committee Chairperson and Nakuru East legislator, David Gikaria, assured residents that all their concerns will be considered in the final committee report following the public participation exercise.
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