Stakeholders have called for greater local participation, safety guarantees and long-term economic planning as the government advances major transport and petroleum projects linked to the South Lokichar oil fields.

Residents of Uasin Gishu presented their concerns and views on the South Lokichar Development Plan, which is before a joint committee comprising the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy and the Senate Standing Committee on Energy.

The joint committee was in Uasin Gishu to conduct public participation on the plan.

Uasin Gishu County is set to serve as a logistics hub for the transportation of crude oil from Turkana County due to its strategic location and availability of existing infrastructure, including the metre gauge railway line and petroleum pipelines owned by the Kenya Petroleum Corporation.

During public engagement forums, participants emphasized that communities along the proposed railway corridor from Eldoret through Naivasha to Nairobi must be direct beneficiaries of the projects.

Brenda Sanaipei of Kapseret, speaking on behalf of the Hope for Kenya Slum Adolescents Initiative (HKSAI), called for local empowerment through employment and social investment.

“Road maintenance contracts should be given to locals, and part of the project resources should go into social amenities,” Sanaipei said.

She raised concerns about community health and safety, particularly in the event of accidents, and warned of potential social risks along the transport corridor.

“How will the health and safety of the community be protected in case of an accident? What measures are in place to curb teenage pregnancy and prevent HIV in areas the railway will pass through?” she asked.

Responding to concerns over inclusion, Departmental Committee on Energy Vice Chairperson and Narok East MP Aramat assured residents that local content would be fully considered, saying communities would directly benefit from the project.

Sen. Beatrice Ogolla reiterated the Senate’s role in safeguarding county interests, describing the project as one with a national economic impact.

“The Senate protects the interests of counties. This project has multiplier effects for the people of Kenya,” she said.

Standing Committee on Energy Vice Chairperson and session chair Sen. William Kisang said the benefits would extend beyond Turkana County, citing improved foreign exchange earnings.

“The gains will not accrue to Turkana alone but to the entire country. Foreign exchange will improve tremendously,” Kisang said.

He challenged county governments to move away from overreliance on national revenue allocations and develop alternative revenue streams.

“County governments should not depend solely on sharable revenue. They must take advantage of the petroleum industry emerging from South Lokichar,” he added.

Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya emphasized regional development, noting that western Kenya could become self-sustaining if benefits are equitably distributed.

Ruiru MP Simon Kingara cautioned against prolonged legal disputes that often delay major projects.

“When such projects come up, citizens go to court, time is wasted, and eventually courts order arbitration,” he said.

Moiben resident and former councillor Paul called on the government to invest more in transport infrastructure, noting that more than 200 trucks pass through Eldoret daily, causing congestion and strain.

“We propose the establishment of local oil refineries to maximize local talent and profits,” said youth leader Smith Hempstone Otieno.

He also proposed the use of 3D animations and clear project visualization to enhance public understanding.

The youth further demanded a clear definition of the coastal region’s role in oil export processes and guaranteed employment opportunities.

Stakeholders agreed that local refining and exporting of finished petroleum products would significantly reduce the cost of living and strengthen Kenya’s economy.

The committee also met Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga, who said the corporation has the capacity to transport crude oil from Eldoret to Mombasa using its existing railway infrastructure.

The visit concluded with an inspection of facilities at the Kenya Pipeline Company to assess preparedness for crude oil transportation.

The joint committee is scheduled to visit Trans Nzoia County on Wednesday to conduct further public participation.