Turkana Residents Demand Compensation Before Oil Extraction

Residents of Turkana County in Kenya are demanding compensation for land earmarked for oil production before Gulf Energy begins commercial extraction. The residents, who spoke during a community sensitization forum organized by GreenFaith Kenya, insisted that communities should not lose their land without receiving fair compensation.

The forum was held to educate communities on land rights and environmental protection. GreenFaith Kenya urged residents to defend their land rights, saying the compulsory acquisition process should only proceed after affected communities receive fair compensation.

Nakukulas resident Selina Lokaale questioned the delay in implementing a five percent community benefit promised from oil revenues. She said that the law has delayed the process and called on leaders to push for the money to reach the community.

The National Land Commission launched an inquiry into land disputes linked to petroleum development in Lokichar earlier this year, but residents are still waiting for fair compensation and benefits.