President William Ruto has revealed that his cabinet has endorsed a National Petroleum Policy to unlock the full potential of oil resources in Turkana and ensure real benefits for its people.

Speaking in Lodwar on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Ruto said the Policy replaces the outdated 2004 framework and aligns it with the Constitution.

”Turkana County will not be left behind as we advance the journey of our national transformation agenda. To unlock the full potential of oil resources in Turkana and ensure real benefits for its people, the Cabinet has endorsed the National Petroleum Policy, replacing the outdated 2004 framework and aligning it with the Constitution,” Ruto said.

Attracting investment

According to the head of state, this policy will strengthen governance, attract investment, enhance energy security, promote value addition and expand LPG uptake.

”Most importantly, the new policy will help improve revenue management and guarantee that the people of Turkana benefit directly from their oil resources. Addressed residents of Lodwar, Turkana County,” he said.

Ruto’s move to transform Turkana comes a day after launching the National Infrstructure Fund on Monday, December 15, 2025, in a Cabinet meeting. The particular Fund is aimed at raising Ksh5 trillion to drag Kenya from the third world to the first world.

”We have embarked on an ambitious national mission to lift 10 million Kenyans out of poverty. Through the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, we will close the gap between the rich and the poor and lay a firm foundation for Kenya’s transition to a first-world economy,” Ruto said after he laid the foundation stone for the Ksh660 million Turkana University students’ hostel, Turkana County.

Supporting higher learning

”This is part of the hostels we are building in Turkana County to support institutions of higher learning and accommodate 6,000 students at a cost of Ksh2.5 billion. Also launched the upgrading of Lodwar town streets to bitumen standards,” Ruto added.

Backing Ruto’s move to transform the economic status of the country, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU–Kenya) has supported the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), terming it a long-overdue and necessary step toward transforming Kenya into a modern, competitive, and dignified society.