Murkomen assures security ahead of Turkana oil production rollout
By Faith Lagat, February 12, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured that oil production in Turkana County will proceed without interruption.
Murkomen noted that robust security measures have been implemented across production areas, storage facilities, and crude oil transportation routes in the South Lokichar Basin.
In a post on X on February 12, 2026, Murkomen stated that the government would not allow security concerns to derail development projects.
“No development project in any part of Kenya will be interrupted because of security fears. We will fully support the seamless implementation of this strategic national project that will create jobs and accelerate development in the region,” he said.
Briefing Parliament on preparedness
Murkomen said he appeared before the joint Senate and National Assembly Committees on Energy to update members on security preparedness ahead of the anticipated rollout of commercial oil production.
The committees are chaired by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga and Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, respectively.
He was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Internal Security Principal Administrative Secretary Jacob Narengo and other senior government officials.
The assurances come as Kenya prepares for the planned 2026 start of commercial oil production in the South Lokichar Basin.
The project holds an estimated 560 million barrels of recoverable reserves, with initial Phase 1 production targeting approximately 20,000–25,000 barrels per day, ramping up in later phases.
Residents raise security concerns
Murkomen’s statement follows concerns raised by Turkana residents during public participation forums held on February 4, 2026, in Kalemgorok and Lokichar. The forums were organised by the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Energy.
Residents cited persistent insecurity, linking recent attacks to alleged raids by members of the neighbouring Pokot community. They reported cases of loss of lives, injuries, livestock theft and displacement, warning that continued insecurity could threaten both communities and future oil operations.
Addressing the gatherings, Committee Chairperson David Gikaria extended condolences to families affected by recent incidents and described the situation as critical.
“Security is fundamental to the implementation of this project, and we must adopt a community-based approach to resolve these issues once and for all,” Gikaria said.
Locals called for impartial disarmament, additional security camps, intensified patrols, multi-agency operations and improved road infrastructure to enable faster response. They stressed that lasting peace is essential to safeguard lives and protect the investment as oil extraction moves closer to commencement.