TURKANA’S OIL DREAM RETURNS — BUT WHO WILL BE COMPENSATED?
Kenya’s renewed Turkana oil project is reviving hopes of economic growth while raising longstanding questions over land acquisition, compensation and the rights of affected communities.
Watch Getembe TV Live
Broadcast Getembe TV Live Stream
Listen Getembe FM Live
Tune in to Getembe FM Live Broadcast
Kenya’s renewed push to develop oil resources in Turkana is bringing fresh attention to a longstanding issue: compensation for communities and individuals affected by oil-related land acquisition and development.
The South Lokichar Basin is once again moving toward commercial development, with Gulf Energy holding consultations with the Turkana County Government over planned oil activities. In April 2026, the county said Gulf Energy had indicated that the first consignment of export-ready oil could be dispatched by December 2026, with the first oil revenue expected in February 2027.
The company also indicated that up to 43 wells could be drilled during the first year of operations.
The company also indicated that up to 43 wells could be drilled during the first year of operations.
But as the project gathers momentum, land compensation remains a major issue for affected residents.
The Turkana County Government said on September 1 that preparations were underway for the issuance of compensation awards to approximately 3,600 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) linked to upstream oil development. The National Treasury has set aside Sh200 million for the first phase, targeting compensation for affected development structures.
The process involves the county government, the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning and the National Land Commission. Officials have stressed the need for verification, transparency and proper engagement with affected communities before compensation is paid.
The compensation question is not new. Kenya’s petroleum authorities have previously acknowledged that large-scale oil and gas projects can generate grievances involving land access, benefit sharing, employment, environmental concerns and access to information. Government documents note that such grievances have been recorded over the years in oil-producing areas, including Turkana.
The renewed activity also comes as Turkana continues with community land registration, demarcation and surveying in areas including Lorengippi, Nakurio and Lokiriama. The exercise is being undertaken by county and national government agencies alongside development partners, with residents being sensitised and given an opportunity to raise concerns.
For communities living around the oil fields, therefore, the return of large-scale development is about more than production targets and future revenues. Questions over who qualifies for compensation, how affected property is valued, when payments are made and whether communities receive their full entitlements remain central to the project's social impact.
The government has also commissioned work to strengthen environmental and social monitoring as oil activities progress toward production. The State Department for Petroleum has identified concerns previously raised by communities, including perceived lack of direct benefits, environmental degradation, waste management and the potential for social conflict.
With Kenya seeking to restart its oil ambitions, Turkana's experience highlights an important test for the new phase of development: ensuring that communities affected by petroleum projects are properly consulted and compensated while the country pursues its energy and economic objectives.
For Turkana residents, the question is increasingly whether the new oil chapter will finally resolve the compensation concerns that have accompanied the project for years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Watch Getembe TV Live
Broadcast Getembe TV Live Stream
Listen Getembe FM Live
Tune in to Getembe FM Live Broadcast
How do you feel about this article?
Let us know by choosing a reaction below.
Written by Anne Moses
Reporter and staff writer at Getembe News.
Comments 0
Please log in to participate in the comments section.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
Have a news tip?
Do you have an investigation, local story or news event you think we should cover? Contact our newsroom directly.
Submit Tip
Mobile App
Download Getembe Digital App Today
Download Getembe Digital App today for live news updates, breaking notifications, and seamless live streaming.