President Uhuru Kenyatta has advised leaders of Turkana County to convert their interest in the land to be used for the LAPSSET pipeline into shares, allowing the local community to benefit from the project through annual dividends.
The President suggested that instead of seeking an upfront payment, the locals could invest in the pipeline by contributing land as shares. He made the remarks during a meeting with Turkana leaders at State House, Nairobi, which was attended by Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro, Turkana County Governor Josphat Nanok, and Senator John Munyes.
Meeting and Discussions ¶
The meeting, also attended by Ministry of Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Principal Secretary Joseph Njoroge, and LAPSSET chairman Francis Muthaura, aimed to engage the leaders and update them on the progress of exploiting oil resources in the region.
President Kenyatta emphasized the importance of involving local communities in decision-making processes, stating,
"Don’t make announcements concerning development without bringing local communities on board because that is where suspicion starts."
Project Timeline and Plans ¶
The Government plans to have the pipeline ready in less than five years to transport petroleum products from oil wells in Turkana County. The Energy CS announced that the Government will soon advertise for a lead consultant for feasibility studies for the oil pipeline from Lokichar to Lamu.
President Kenyatta instructed the Ministry of Energy to ensure no deadlines are missed in the various stages of preparations, with the goal of starting petroleum production within five years.
Response and Next Steps ¶
The Turkana leaders expressed appreciation for the President’s suggestion and assured him that they would take advantage of the opportunity. Governor Nanok stated,
"We appreciate your suggestion that we contribute land as shares and we will take up that opportunity."
The leaders are scheduled to meet the President again in the coming weeks for a consultative meeting.
