Senator James Lomenen of Turkana has threatened that no oil will be transported from the Lokichar Basin until the government fulfils its long-standing promise to improve road infrastructure in the region.

For years, residents of Turkana have waited for the construction of crucial roads, including the Marigat-Chemolingot-Kapedo-Lokori-Lokwamading-Lokichar highway, which would enhance security and unlock economic opportunities.

Despite repeated government assurances from the Uhuru administration of now President William Ruto, progress remains elusive.

“We demand proper roads before any oil leaves Turkana. It must be transported through infrastructure that benefits our people. The government should also consider setting up a refinery in Turkana and reviving the Lapsset project to create jobs,” Lomenen said.

In December 2023, then-Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, announced plans to build a key road to curb insecurity and promote business in the Kerio Valley.

He instructed the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to initiate the design of the Chemolingot-Kapedo-Lokori road, promising to seek funding from global partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

Significant revenue

Meanwhile, in September 2024 Tullow Oil reaffirmed the potential of the Turkana oil project to generate significant national revenue if properly managed.

Speaking before the Senate Committee on Energy, Tullow Kenya BV Managing Director Madhan Srinivasan emphasised that securing a strategic partner is crucial for project financing and scaling up investments.

“Our priority is to advance the project by finalising a strategic partnership. This will enhance the project’s resource base and reshape Kenya’s energy sector,” Srinivasan told the committee, adding  that Tullow is actively working with stakeholders, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) and the Turkana community to push the project forward.

Srinivasan also highlighted Tullow’s technical capacity to develop Turkana’s oil resources and efforts to establish refining and gas development channels.