The Joint Committee of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy and the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, today held a public hearing on the South Lokichar Field Development Plan in Turkwel, Kapenguria Constituency, West Pokot County.

Leaders and residents used the forum to demand equitable sharing of benefits from oil production in Turkana, arguing that the project heavily depends on water resources drawn from West Pokot.

Hon. Julius Mawathe, MP for Embakasi South, said West Pokot residents must benefit from their natural resource, noting that water from the county will be used in oil production at the South Lokichar oil fields.

Resident Engineer at the National Irrigation Authority, Eng. Felix Shiundu, said the government has planned irrigation projects covering 60,000 acres in West Pokot to enhance food security.

“We have provision for 60,000 acres of irrigation projects in West Pokot. Currently, irrigation along river banks has caused conflicts due to livestock being brought to the same areas for water,” said Eng. Shiundu.

He added that the government will adopt sprinkler irrigation systems instead of furrows to minimize conflict and improve efficiency.

“With 60,000 acres under irrigation, food security in West Pokot will be guaranteed,” he said.

Eng. Shiundu further disclosed that the government plans to establish six water supply points to support irrigation, covering 2,000 acres—1,000 acres in Turkana County and another 1,000 acres in West Pokot County.

Former West Pokot Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo praised the government for advancing oil exploration in Turkana but emphasized the need for inclusivity.

“We thank the Government of Kenya for planning oil exploration in Turkana County, but West Pokot residents should also benefit through electricity and water projects,” he said.

He added that with expanded irrigation, hunger in West Pokot would be eliminated.

Leaders also cited the Energy Act of 2019, which provides for revenue sharing from natural resources, arguing that West Pokot deserves a share of oil proceeds since water from the county is critical to oil production.

Kapenguria MP Hon. Samuel Moroto recalled unfulfilled promises made during the construction of Turkwel Dam.

“When Turkwel Dam was constructed, West Pokot residents were promised irrigation projects, but they never materialized. We want Turkwel Dam water to benefit the local community,” he said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator and Joint Committee co-chair, Sen. Kisang stated that the public hearing was anchored in Constitution of Kenya 2010 as constitutional requirement.

“We are here in Turkwel for public participation as required by the 2010 Constitution of Kenya,” he said.

Bethwell Sang, Gulf Energy Social Performance Lead, explained that the company opted to source water from Turkwel Dam after Lake Turkana was ruled out due to its UNESCO-protected status.

“The project will have two pipelines—one supplying water to the oilfields and another that will be treated for domestic use and irrigation for West Pokot residents,” said Sang.

He summarized the arrangement by stating that Turkana would produce oil, while West Pokot would supply water for the oil exploration process.

Community leaders demanded tangible social benefits. Paul Lolem, a community leader, called for education support from oil proceeds.

“We need scholarships for our children in West Pokot from the proceeds of oil drilling in South Lokichar. Children from Turkana benefited when Tullow Oil was involved,” he said.

Lolem added that West Pokot should receive an equal 20 percent share of oil proceeds, arguing that the county provides water while Turkana provides oil.

Village elder Lolemtwan Locholiamoi urged the government to upgrade Turkwel Health Centre, warning that oil production could introduce new health challenges.

Opinion leader Elijah Kinshasa called for fairness in employment once Gulf Energy begins production.

“We want equality in employment opportunities—fifty-fifty for Turkana and Pokot communities,” he said.