Land commission launches inquiry into disputes in Turkana’s oil-rich Lokichar
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 6, 2026The National Land Commission (NLC) has launched a preliminary inquiry into land disputes linked to oil development in Lokichar, Turkana County, as Kenya pushes ahead with plans to begin crude oil exports.
The commission sent a team to Lodwar and Lokichar on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to examine land ownership issues, land purchases, compensation to local communities, and compliance with land and petroleum laws. The visit marked the first step towards a full investigation scheduled to begin in July 2026.
“Today, the National Land Commission (NLC) conducted a preliminary inquiry mission in Lokichar, Turkana County, to assess land issues related to petroleum development. The mission focused on land tenure, acquisition and compensation, community land rights, and compliance with land and petroleum laws,” the commission stated.
Commissioners Tiya Galgalo and Esther Murugi led the mission. They met county and national government officials, gathered initial information, and assessed emerging land conflicts connected to oil activities in the area. The team also worked to strengthen cooperation between the national government and Turkana County.
The NLC delegation held talks with the Turkana County Commissioner and the County Executive Committee Member for Lands. Discussions focused on security, transport, office support for the inquiry team, and the growing number of land disputes around oil exploration zones.
Galgalo urged local leaders to support oil development while ensuring that communities benefit from the project. He called for the sharing of accurate information to prevent misinformation and conflict. Murugi stressed that only officially registered land parcels qualify for legal recognition and compensation, warning residents against informal transactions that could later cause disputes.
Officials from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum joined the discussions, alongside representatives linked to Gulf Energy, which recently acquired Tullow Oil’s assets in the South Lokichar Basin. They outlined regulatory requirements, project timelines, and the need for meaningful community participation, especially in Amosin and Ngamia, where most oil activities take place.
The visit brought together key figures, including Joel Ombati, director of valuation and taxation at the NLC; Sospeter Ohanya, head of survey services; Lokichar Ward MCA Samuel Lomodu; Turkana Central Assistant County Commissioner Dominic Kinyanjui; and Faith Aletia Ekuwam, the county executive for lands, physical planning, and urban development.
Oil promise, local doubts
Kenya discovered oil in the Lokichar Basin in 2012 after Tullow Oil drilled several wells and confirmed commercially viable reserves. Once the planned pipeline to Lamu is complete, the fields could produce up to 120,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The government aims to start exports by December 2026 after approving a revised field development plan.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has said oil production will begin early next year. However, local communities remain cautious. Residents have raised concerns about limited job opportunities, delayed benefits, and past environmental damage.